Do you know what is Extra Virgin Olive Oil is and where to buy it in Canada?
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil or EVOO is the highest quality and purest form of olive oil, extracted from olives without the use of chemicals or excessive heat. This kind of olive oil is widely appreciated for its rich flavor, taste and health benefits. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is mostly used for salad dressings or as a finishing oil for dishes, and is not recommended for cooking at high temperatures.
Unlike refined olive oils, extra virgin olive oil retains its natural antioxidants, polyphenols, and healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a staple in the Mediterranean diet. EVOO is known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and provide essential nutrients like vitamin E.
To be classified as extra virgin, the oil must meet strict chemical and organoleptic standards set by organizations like the International Olive Council (IOC), including:
Acidity level below 0.8 grams per 100 grams
Cold-pressed extraction
No chemical refining or processing
Fresh, natural taste without defects
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How Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Made?
The production of extra virgin olive oil uses a natural process in order to ensure high quality and purity. First of all is Harvesting – Olives are harvested at their peak ripeness, usually between September and December. Hand-picking or using the mechanical shaking to ensure minimal damage to the fruit.
After harvesting, olives are washed to remove dirt and leaves, and then crushed into a paste using stone mills or modern stainless-steel grinders. The resulting paste is gently mixed and pressed at a controlled temperature (below 27°C or 80°F) to extract the oil. The less heat is generated during olive processing, the better.
By using this cold-pressing process the oil’s natural flavor and nutrients are best preserved. The olive oil is then separated from water and solid olive particles for a pure, high-quality liquid. This fresh olive oil is filtered or can be left unfiltered for a cloudy, rustic appearance, and then bottled in a dark glass or tin containers to protect it from light and oxidation.
You should now that the real extra virgin olive oil contains 100% olive oil—nothing more and nothing less. Because some manufacturers, may dilute their olive oil with sunflower oil, soybean oil, or another vegetable oil and mislabel it as extra virgin you have to be very careful from where you buy and what brand you trust.
How to know if your extra virgin olive oil is real or fake?
Fake olive oil might taste greasy, rancid, and be without flavour, while the real olive oil should smell and taste fruity, peppery, and slightly bitter with a grassy aroma.
Also, check the Label and look for certifications like PDO Protected Designation of Origin and view the production date because fresh olive oil is best within 12-18 months of harvest.
Keep in mind that the price of extra virgin olive oil is high and you should be aware of very cheap EVOO. Plus, real extra virgin olive oil solidifies in the fridge due to monounsaturated fats.
Where to Buy Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Canada?
You can buy EVOO at most grocery stores in Canada, including retailers like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart, NoFrills, Food Basics or Costco which offers bulk-sized options at good prices.
For those who want premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil specialty food stores offer a wide range of choices of small-batch imports from regions like Italy, Greece, and Spain, wekll-known for their high quality olive oils.