Four things to consider when choosing a premium EVOO

Whether you are just starting out in the world of high-end Extra Virgin Olive Oils or if this is your first foray into this Gourmet segment, we have prepared five tips that we follow when choosing a Premium EVOO for your kitchen .

Origin and variety of the olive

The variety of olive greatly influences the flavors and aromas we will find in the oil.

Picuales tend to be more intense and powerful, with a strong aroma of orchards, tomato plants, and greenery, while Arbequinas are more subtle, with aromas and flavors reminiscent of almonds and freshly cut grass. Hojiblancas tend to be more rounded, with hints of nuts, acorns, and green apple. Meanwhile, Frantoios, bitter and spicy, often evoke bitter almonds.

As you can see, the variety has a fundamental influence on how you enjoy our EVOO depending on how you use it. It all depends on your tastes. If you don't know where to start, check out our starter pack.

Packaging is key

Whether you're passionate about design and want to have a small piece of art in your home, or you care more about the contents than the container, choosing the right packaging is very important.

The oil contains antioxidants from chlorophyll, which give it its characteristic deep green color. When exposed to light, chlorophylls are prooxidants—that is, they oxidize. Therefore, keeping the oil in a dark container is essential for preserving our EVOO .

On the other hand, if you consume unfiltered oils , it's important to keep in mind that due to the organic residue, the EVOO will begin to ferment shortly afterward. This is why we should consume them quickly.

Packaging date and harvest date

Although EVOOs don't expire , they have a best-before date of two years from the date they're packaged. This is because olive oil is a fat that tends to degrade from the moment it's produced.

However, try to opt for EVOOs that have been packaged a few weeks or months before purchasing them and avoid those that are close to their expiration date.

The vintage is also crucial. An EVOO from the latest harvest will still retain its highest quality properties and attributes, while one from a previous harvest has likely lost its aromas and flavors. The absence of defects and the presence of unmistakable aromas and flavors is something we already explained in the article on the differences between virgin and extra virgin olive oil .

Awards and recognitions

Finally, look at their awards and recognitions. The tasting competitions for selecting EVOOs are very demanding and rigorous. In fact, the EVOO tasting process is regulated by law, unlike, for example, that of wine.

Organic oils are also recognized for their contributions to health and sustainability.

Although not all producers submit their oils to competitions, it is a guarantee of quality that international tasters have given a blind award to a Premium EVOO.