Fantastic Olives
In modern world, almost everyone knows of benefits of olive oil. They have long been recognized by human civilization, and there are numerous legends connected with it. For instance, in Greek mythology, Athena is said to have placed an olive tree on the Acropolis in order to win over the denizens of Attica, a favor for which the city became her namesake, Athens. The champion at the Olympic Games was crowned with its leaves. “Offering an olive branch” is synonymous with peaceful intentions. The oil was burned in the lamps of sacred temples, as well as being the “eternal flame” of the Olympic Games. There are lots of similar stories, suggesting that this oil has really “wonderful effects”.
But what people mostly do not know of this oil, are those etiquettes on the bottles, and which oil is used for what. So I decided to dedicate today’s post to that matter.
- Extra-virgin olive oil contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and is judged to have a superior taste. It comes from virgin oil production only, and it is mostly used for salad dressings and cold dishes.
- Virgin olive oil has acidity less than 2%, and is judged to have a good taste. It also comes from virgin oil production, and is used as extra-virgin olive oil.
- Pure olive oil. Oils labeled as Pure olive oil or Olive oil are usually a blend of refined and virgin production oils. Refined oils are used for cooking and they taste good when treated on higher temperatures, but if you use them more than once, you should know that they mustn’t be used more than 6 times, because they become toxic.
- Olive oil is a blend of virgin and refined production oil, of no more than 1.5% acidity. It commonly lacks a strong flavor.
- Olive-pomace oil is refined oil possibly blended with some virgin production oil. It is fit for consumption, but may not be described simply as olive oil. Olive-pomace oil is rarely sold at retail; it is often used for certain kinds of cooking in restaurants.
- Lampante oil is olive oil not suitable as food; lampante comes from olive oil’s long-standing use in oil-burning lamps. Lampante oil is mostly used in the industrial market.
I hope these explanations will help you next time when buying olive oil for your kitchen.
