How do you recognise good olive oil?

How do you recognise good olive oil?

How do you recognise good olive oil?

The choice of olive oil these days is huge. In the supermarket, you see rows of bottles with vague labels and promises like "pure" or "extra virgin". But what is really good olive oil? How do you know if you are buying a quality product, or a marketing story? In this blog, we explain what to look out for, and why L'Oro Verde di Puglia olive oil meets all the characteristics of top quality.

Note the fragrance: fresh, fruity and spicy

A good olive oil smells vibrant. You recognise aromas of freshly cut grass, green tomato, artichoke or almond. No musty smell, no greasiness. Open a bottle and smell - the first impression says it all. L'Oro Verde di Puglia smells like a walk through an olive grove on a hot summer day. That's a sign of freshness and careful pressing.

Flavour: bitter and peppery are good

Many people think that mild olive oil is better, but the opposite is true. A good oil has spice. You feel it at the back of your throat, sometimes it even makes you cough for a while - which is actually a good sign. That spiciness comes from healthy antioxidants such as oleuropein. Slight bitterness is also part of it, just like fresh rocket. Our oil has a nice balance between fruitiness, bitterness and spiciness.

Colour doesn't say it all, but still...

While colour is not the measure of quality, it does say something. Top olive oil is often intensely green or golden yellow, depending on the olive variety and when it was harvested. In any case, what you don't want to see: a pale or dull oil. Our bottles are dark glass, so the sun does not affect colour and quality.

Origin: check origin

Always check where the oil comes from. Not just where it was bottled, but where the olives were grown and pressed. Good olive oil comes from one region, preferably one farm. L'Oro Verde di Puglia is exactly that: one region, one producer, and direct control over the whole process. No blends, no transport between countries.

Packaging and shelf life matter

A good olive oil is in dark glass or tin, never in transparent bottles. Light and air are enemies of quality. Also check the bottling date: the fresher, the better. Our oil is pressed fresh every year and bottled immediately, so you can enjoy the very latest harvest at home.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about olive oil recognition

1. Is 'extra virgin' always good olive oil? No, the term is often misused. Always look at smell, taste, colour and origin for true quality.
2. How long does olive oil keep? Maximum 18 months after bottling, if kept cool and dark. Our oil is always fresh from the new harvest.

3. Why does good olive oil sting the throat? This is because of the healthy phenols. It is a sign of quality and freshness, not tainted flavour.

4. Where do I buy guaranteed good olive oil? From producers with transparency and origin control. Such as directly through our webshop.

5. Does it matter if the oil is organic? Organic is a plus, but more important is freshness and careful production without heating or chemicals.

Get in touch via https://loroverdedipuglia.com/contact/