How to Identify Good Olive Oil

Olive oil is a culinary gem that merits full appreciation. Spotting the nuanced flavors and superior quality of premium olive oil can be a challenge if you need help figuring out what to look for. At La Fira, we are deeply committed to allowing everyone to taste the finest olive oil. This is why we carefully select all our olives from Cocentaina, Spain, a region known for its exceptional olives. We take great care in our cold-pressing extraction process to ensure that the oil maintains all its delicate aromas and flavors. Unlike many large companies that use a hot pressing method for mass production, which compromises the taste and purity of the oil, we are dedicated to preserving the integrity of our olive oil. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of recognizing and appreciating high-quality olive oil, aiming to educate and inform our readers.

Extra Virgin Above All

When you are shopping around for a new olive oil to add to your kitchen, look for oils that are “Extra-virgin". These olive oils are of the highest quality category given to olive oil. This means it is in its purest form, unrefined, and free of defects like rancidity and chemicals. It has not been treated with heat, preserving its natural flavors and nutritional benefits. While there may still be variations in quality within the extra-virgin category, looking for this specific label is the best way to ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality product. By choosing extra-virgin olive oil, you select a product that has undergone minimal processing and is closest to the natural state of the olive fruit.

Conduct a Test Taste

Conducting a taste test can help you determine whether the olive oil you purchased is good quality. To start, choose an opaque glass to conceal the color of the oil and prevent any preconceived notions. Then, pour 1-2 tablespoons into the glass and swirl it around to coat the sides. This will allow you to observe the viscosity of the oil. Next, smell the aromas to detect the notes. After that, take a small sip and coat your tongue with the oil to experience the different flavors. Finally, clear your palate when you are finished. Head over to your Beginner’s Guide to Olive Oil Tasting to read a more in-depth guide to tasting your olive oil! 

Do Your Research 

When purchasing olive oil labeled as a product of a specific country, and the price seems unusually low, it's essential to exercise caution. There is a significant risk that the olives used in the oil were not grown or pressed in the country printed. Even though companies are required to disclose the source of the oil, this information may only indicate where it was bottled. This creates a loophole that dishonest producers can exploit to pass off low-quality or defective oil from different locations, such as Italy. To ensure the authenticity of the olive oil, it is crucial to check the back label for the initials representing the actual country of origin. As a general guideline, purchasing olive oil from a single location, preferably from one farm or collective or at least from one country is advisable. This can help ensure the quality and authenticity of the product.

Premium Olive Oil for a Cause 

La Fira partners with the Wings organization to support adults with developmental disabilities in the United States. Our collaboration aims to enhance their lives through social, vocational, and residential programs guided by biblical principles. We donate a percentage of every La Fira bottle sold to the Wings organization. Contact us today to discover more about La Fira and our premium olive oil!