Oil Info

Points To Consider
Health Benefits
Oil Categories

Points to Consider:

• Olive oil is actually a fruit juice and therefore has a wide range of flavours and aromas. No chemicals or heat are used when extracting the oil.

• Olive oil is very versatile. A more robust flavour may be used to enhance the flavour of dishes such as salads, bread, vegetables, pasta, meat, stews or soups. A more delicate variety may be used for seafood, chicken, sauces, cakes and desserts where the oil will compliment, not overpower, the flavour of the dish.

• Olive oil can be heated to a higher temperature than other oils without adversely affecting health. It can also be used up to ten times as it is relatively stable at high temperatures, which makes it excellent for deep frying.

• Olive oil can replace butter or margarine in many recipes for cakes, biscuits and pastries. Simply substitute ¾ cup of olive oil for every cup of butter.

• To maintain quality, olive oil should be stored at a cool, even temperature (not in the fridge), and so that it is not in contact with light or air. When stored this way it will keep longer than other edible oils.
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Health Benefits:

Extensive scientific research has shown that olive oil (sometimes in conjunction with a Mediterranean diet):

• Is not only cholesterol free, but helps lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

• Reduces blood pressure.

• Is a good source of anti-oxidants that help to combat free radicals, which have been linked to cancer.

• Can prolong life and prevent cognitive decline.

• Improves disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, Parkinson's disease and diabetes.

• Is rich in vitamin E and is also a natural storehouse for vitamins A, D and K.

• Is an excellent source of energy as it metabolizes readily.
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Oil Categories:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is the best form of olive oil as it has excellent aroma and flavour, and a free fatty acid level of no more than 1%. It is a particularly healthy olive oil, being low in saturated fats and high in natural anti-oxidants. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is ideal in salads, as a condiment or in hot dishes to bring out the full flavour.

 

Virgin Olive Oil

This still has high standards of aroma and flavour, with a free fatty acid level of no more than 2%. Ideal for use in salad dressings and when cooking.

 

Olive Oil

If the olive oil does not meet the standards required for an Extra Virgin or Virgin Olive Oil, it is usually refined to make it suitable for human consumption. The refined oil has little aroma or flavour and may be blended with a small amount of virgin grade oil to enhance it. Terms such as 'Light' or 'Lite' refer to colour and flavour, not fat content, while 'Pure' is simply a marketing term. This is a common form of olive oil, which is versatile and may be used for baking or frying.
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