virgin and extra virgin olive oil contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamin E, and polyphenols, therefore, makes it natural treatment of inflammation and heart disease.
What Is Virgin Olive Oil?
Virgin Olive Oil is also produced by the use of a mechanical method of extracting olives, yet it has a small increase in acidity (up to 2%) and can contain small defects of flavor.
Compared to EVOO, virgin olive oil is not as pure although it is still natural and unrefined. It is not as strong tasting and its fruity flavor might not be as powerful as extra virgin oil.
It can be used to cook light meals, saute or in a recipe that does not necessarily demand strong flavor.
Major Dissimilarities between Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
| Feature | Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Virgin Olive Oil |
| Processing Method | Cold-pressed, no heat or chemicals | Cold-pressed, minimal defects allowed |
| Acidity Level | < 0.8% | ≤ 2% |
| Taste & Aroma | Rich, fruity, peppery | Mild, less aromatic |
| Nutritional Value | Highest antioxidant and polyphenol content | Slightly lower nutritional value |
| Best Uses | Salads, dressings, drizzling, skincare | Light cooking, sautéing |
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
Extra Virgin Olive oil is beneficial to health.
- Supports Heart Health
Tryptophan EVOO is high in monosaturated fats which stake down bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Its polyphenols, in particular oleocanthal, are natural anti-inflammatories that are like ibuprofen.
- Rich in Antioxidants
Vitamin E and phenolic compounds in the oil prevent oxidative stress of cells.
- Promotes Brain Health
Research indicates that regular intake of EVOO can avert the occurrence of Alzheimer and cognitive impairment.
- Supports Weight Loss
EVOO, in moderation, can be beneficial in satiating oneself and regulating metabolism in spite of it being a fat.
- Improves Skin and Hair
Topically used, it moisturizes the skin, diminishes wrinkles and naturally moisturizes dry hair.
What Olive Oil would you recommend?
- For uncooked the Oil: Use Extra Virgin Oil. It is ideal as a salad ingredient, bread dip, and topping.
- In the case of Cooking: Go with Virgin Olive Oil when you will need to fry or saute something, because it is a bit more resistant to heat.
- In the Skincare category: Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best olefide that can be used to moisturize and cure dry skin because it is pure.
How to determine Real Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
There are however several products in the olive oil market with mislabeling. To ensure authenticity:
- Check the Label: Check the method of desperation is either cold-pressed or first cold extraction.
- Search for Date: Fresh oils (Less than 18 months old) are better.
- Buy in Dark Bottles: UV light may ruin quality.
- Origin Matters: EVOO is produced of high-quality in Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece.
- Taste Test: The finish of Real EVOO is a bit bitter and peppery.
Olive Oil Myths Busted
Myth1: There are different myths about cooking with olive oil.
Truth: At moderate temperatures (below 375°F or 190°C) it is safe to cook using virgin olive oil.
Myth 2: The more the darker the oil, the more it is better.
Truth: The quality of color cannot be determined by quality, but only by the type of oleaves.
Myth 3: Extra virgin olive oil does not go out of date.
Truth: Never forget to check the expiry date or the harvest date.
Tips on Longer Shelf life storage.
Olive oil To maintain the freshness of your olive oil:
- Storage Should be kept out of sunshine and heat.
- Store in airtight, dark glass bottles.
- Fridge should not be refrigerated unless necessary.
Extra virgin olive oil well kept can take as long as 18-24 months after harvest date.
Innovative Applications of Olive Oil outside of Cooking.
- Natural Makeup Remover –Removes foundation and mascara.
- Lip Moisturizer- A drop helps to treat chapped lips.
- Hair Conditioner- Add coconut oil to get shiny and smooth hair.
- Wood Polish– Add lemon juice to make the furniture natural.
FAQs
Q 1: Is it possible to prepare food with extra virgin olive oil?
EVOO may be fried shallowly, though the temperature should not exceed 375 o C (190 o C) in order to preserve the nutrients.
Q2: Which is healthier; extra virgin or virgin olive oil?
Olive oil that is extra virgin is more healthy because of the increased antioxidant and polyphenol levels.
Q3: Do we not spoil extra virgin olive-oil?
Yes. It may get rancid with time, thus it is important to store it well and look at the date of expiry.
Q 4: Is olive oil helpful in reducing weight?
In moderation, yes. It assists one to gain satiety and promotes metabolism.
Q5: What is the way that I can know whether my olive oil is fake or not?
Counterfeit oils do not have the peppery flavor and the fruity smell of genuine EVOO. Never purchase a brand that you do not trust.
Final Thoughts
Virgin and extra virgin olive oil have their advantages, though extra virgin olive oil is the best in terms of taste, nutrition, and purity. Drizzling it over salads or applying it to your skin, the consumption of quality EVOO can be an opportunity to improve your health and lifestyle on a natural basis.
Conclusion
In deciding between virgin and extra virgin olive oil, you will find that the final decision will be based on the intended use. These are both natural, healthy oils of the olive fruit, however, extra virgin olive oil is the better of the two because of its greater purity, greater flavor and antioxidant power.
Extra virgin olive oil is the preferred choice in case you want to benefit fully in terms of nutritional and health values of olive oil. It is ideal to drizzle on salads, bread or even to top dishes with a touch of Mediterranean yummy. Virgin olive oil on the other hand is a good and cheaper option to use in light cooking or sauteing and has much of the same benefits with a less pronounced flavor.
These are the main differences that one should know, to make sure that the particular oil they are using is the one they have purchased, to store and to use properly and make sure that every drop that you use will not only give your meals their taste but will also provide some health. To sum it all, be it virgin or extra virgin, the olive oil is an invaluable asset to your kitchen, as well as to your health.
Also read- Unlock sunflower oil and its 8- benefits