What's the Difference Between Olive Oils?

by Ron
(Stuart, FL)

What is the difference between olive oils beside the price?

I know Olive Oil is supposed to be healthy, but there are so many choices; Extra Virgin, Pure, Estate, Country of Origin, etc.


Ron-
This is a good idea for an episode of "Cooking Coarse". The difference between olive oils is similar to wine. Certainly, where the olives are grown, what type of weather or soil will effect the flavor of the resulting oil. Generally, estate grown means the the olives were grown where they were processed and bottled, just like wine. Country of origin of olive oil is a personal preference, just like wine.

The labels virgin, extra virgin, etc, refer to the number of presses of the olive to get your oil. The first press is always the best and most expensive. This is usually termed extra virgin. There after, each additional press of the olive adds acidity and poor flavors. After the third or fourth press, it's called "pumace" and usually mixed with another oil.

As with everything, get the best ingredients that your time, money and convenience will allow.

Chef Todd.