It is well known that olive oil is one of the pillars of the Mediterranean diet, recognized by nutritionists worldwide, but where does our knowledge of this emblematic product come from? When we stand in front of a supermarket shelf and see Virgin Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, do we know how one differs from the other? We will try to clarify this below.
How is Virgin Olive Oil different from Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Both are pure olive juice extracted using mechanical procedures, usually through centrifugation, since traditional pressing is now practically obsolete. In no case are they subjected to refining. The juice obtained directly from the olive through the aforementioned process is called Virgin Olive Oil, which, depending on its quality, is ultimately classified as either “Virgin Olive Oil” or “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the highest-quality category among Virgin Olive Oils. Its acidity level must not exceed 0.8, while Virgin Olive Oil has a higher acidity level than Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but it must still be less than or equal to 2. This chemical criterion is the first that differentiates these types of olive oil.
The second differentiating criterion is purely organoleptic. Through tasting, in which flavors and aromas are analyzed, an attempt is made to detect possible defects. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has no defects: the result obtained through the tasting panel must be zero, and the median of the fruity attribute must be greater than zero. In contrast, in Virgin Olive Oil, the median of the defects detected during tasting (panel test) should be less than or equal to 2.5, and the median of the fruity attribute must be greater than zero. Thus, we can see that while Extra Virgin Olive Oil is perfect and free from defects, Virgin Olive Oil may have some.
In summary:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Its chemical acidity level is less than 0.8, and it has no organoleptic defects whatsoever. The oil must meet both parameters to be classified as Extra Virgin. It is undoubtedly the best-quality olive oil because its nutritional properties remain intact.
Virgin Olive Oil: Its chemical acidity level must be less than or equal to 2, and the median of the defects detected by the tasting panel must be less than or equal to 2.5. If these parameters are met, the oil is classified as Virgin Olive Oil.
Aside from the technical criteria, we could ask:
Where does the clear distinction between the two lie? Or, more simply: If both are processed in the same way and obtained directly from the olive, why are some classified as Extra Virgin and others simply as Virgin?
To answer that question, we have to go back to the origin:
- Since the raw material is the olive, the more care and attention we put into the work in the field, the better the results we obtain at the mill and, consequently, in the final product. Careful cultivation, protection against pests, and favorable weather conditions are crucial to obtaining healthy olives.
- A second key factor in obtaining the highest-quality oil is the harvest. The olive must be harvested at exactly the right stage of ripeness, directly from the tree (aceituna de vuelo), using techniques that minimize possible damage to the olives in order to prevent oxidation and loss of quality.
- The grinding of the olives must take place in the shortest possible time after harvesting, to prevent the fruit from deteriorating and being exposed to unsuitable temperatures that could cause it to become fusty.
Any irregularity, malpractice, or oversight in any of the processes discussed will make the difference between a truly perfect Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a Virgin Olive Oil.
The effort and dedication involved in the daily care of the olive groves on the farm, the strict supervision and application of the highest quality standards during production at the mill, and finally, the use of the appropriate techniques and technology to preserve the oil in the storage facilities once it has been produced, will result in a genuine Extra Virgin Olive Oil: a perfect product for you to enjoy at the table that can provide you with numerous health benefits.
At Las Valdesas, we offer Extra Virgin Olive Oils of exceptional quality at an unbeatable price. Would you like to try them? Click here to visit our online store.