Articles about Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 Every year the same story. The harvest season is approaching and nerves are taking over every link in the chain, from the farmer to the consumer. The most common question these days in olive oil shops is "Do you already have oil from this harvest?" And friends, I assure you one thing: when it comes to quality, being first is not the same as being the best. Since 2012, I've been advising olive mills on producing premium extra virgin olive oils, the kind that go into those wonderful bottles we recently started selling at Molino y Cata. Today, reviewing a client's work from 2017 to the present, their premium Picual EVOO (each variety has its own ideal harvest time) has seen the chosen start date fluctuate between October 6th and November 4th. Quite a range, isn't it? Knowing how to choose that perfect moment is where the magic lies, so that later those premium extra virgin olive oils with fruity notes that flood the dishes, complex and above all balanced in bitterness and spiciness, come out. How is that moment chosen? It is a combination of fat yield analysis (to see that there is already oil inside the olive), Maturity Index (a method by which olives are classified according to their color, from green to black) and finally the extraction of the oil and tasting of it, to see if there are already nuances that remind us of the variety or only of green wood, which will indicate that we have to keep waiting. So, at this time of year, for all of us in this industry, and for all of you eagerly awaiting the new harvest, patience is key. Because olive oils speak, they tell stories, and they tell us when their ideal harvest time is. Knowing how to taste and interpret them is essential to avoid falling into the spiral of nerves and, let's be honest, the marketing frenzy of being the first to market. A few minutes of glory that will be quickly forgotten and eclipsed by the quality of those who knew how to listen to what the olive trees were telling him. So, dear olive oil producers, I suppose we will soon have great extra virgin olive oils from early varieties such as Frantoio, Empeltre and Changlot Real, as well as for other varieties like Picual and Hojiblanca… PATIENCE.  

Discover our editorial selection of the best Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Cooperatives in 2025.

Discover some of the Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil brands that are successful outside of Spain and are taking Spanish EVOO beyond our borders

Two Spanish producers of organic extra virgin olive oil are demonstrating that sustainability goes far beyond a green label

Extra virgin olive oil produced by cooperatives represents much more than just a quality food: it's a tool for rural development, environmental sustainability, and economic equity. In this article, we analyze the benefits of the cooperative model from a holistic perspective, explaining how it strengthens local economies, generates stable employment, promotes agricultural sustainability, and earns international recognition for its excellence. If you want to know why choosing a cooperative EVOO is investing in a fairer and healthier future, keep reading.

Our editorial selection of the most awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oils in 2025 with the endorsement of the most important guides.

Picual and Hojiblanca are two of Spain’s most emblematic varieties and, although they share the same essence, they offer very different personalities.

Discover five lesser-known EVOO varieties — Royal, Verdial, Manzanilla Cacereña, Alfafarenca and Lechín — with unique sensory profiles and special culinary uses.

We explain what "Extra Virgin" really means in olive oil, detailing technical differences with other types, how quality is evaluated, practical tips for choosing a good Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and common mistakes when selecting it.

The growth of organic olive farming responds to three trends: greater consumer awareness, the need to preserve growing environments, and the promotion of organic practices through European Union policies.

When we think of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) , we usually immediately associate it with salads, savory dishes, or breakfast toast. However, the Arbequina variety surpasses all expectations, revealing itself as an exceptional ingredient for pastries and sweet dishes. Its smooth, sweet, and delicately fruity flavor adds a unique dimension to desserts and sweets, turning every recipe into an unexpected gourmet experience. Want to know how to add a delicious twist to your sweet recipes? Read on. What makes Arbequina oil unique? Arbequina is recognized for its sweet and balanced sensory profile, highlighting fruity notes such as green apple, ripe banana, and fresh almond, combined with a notable lack of bitterness. This natural sweetness, combined with its light and velvety texture, allows it to integrate perfectly into doughs, creams, and sweet dishes, healthily replacing other fats such as butter or margarine. Here's the secret: simply replace the amount of butter in a recipe with the same amount of Arbequina extra virgin olive oil. The immediate result will be a spectacular flavor, as it will subtly add its fruity aromas to the dish you're preparing. In addition to enhancing the flavors of your desserts, Arbequina olive oil provides nutritional benefits thanks to its high oleic acid content, natural antioxidants like vitamin E, and phenolic compounds. These essential elements not only contribute to a healthier diet, but also help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, thus benefiting cardiovascular health . If you want to go deeper, you can consult the PREDIMED study , recognized for scientifically demonstrating the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Arbequina olive oil and traditional Mediterranean pastries Mediterranean pastries have historically used olive oil as a key ingredient in their traditional recipes. In regions such as Catalonia, Andalusia, and Valencia, Arbequina olive oil has been especially valued for its smoothness and delicacy, allowing for the creation of desserts that preserve the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. Sweets such as Catalan cocas, Andalusian oil cakes, and Valencian buñuelos acquire an exceptional texture and flavor when made with Arbequina olive oil, especially at festivals and family celebrations. Incorporating this tradition into your homemade recipes is a way to honor your culinary roots and enjoy authentic flavors. In which sweet recipes does Arbequina oil particularly stand out? Cakes and Muffins: Replacing butter with Arbequina oil gives a light texture and adds a fruity touch that significantly enhances the flavor of the cake. Brownies: A quality Arbequina oil enhances and complements the chocolate flavor, providing unparalleled juiciness and aroma. Ice Creams and Sorbets: A small touch of Arbequina turns any artisanal ice cream into a creamy delight, especially ideal for citrus or nut flavors. Chocolate or fruit mousse: Adding Arbequina oil to your mousses gives them extra smoothness and a delicious fruity note, creating a perfect balance with fresh ingredients like fruit or cocoa. Homemade cookies and pastries: Cookies made with Arbequina olive oil have a lighter, crispier texture, with a delicate fruity aroma that improves with every bite. Essential tips for cooking with Arbequina in baking Slowly incorporate the Arbequina oil into the dough or cream while mixing. Slightly reduce the usual amount of oil compared to recipes that use butter or thicker oils. Always choose a premium quality extra virgin Arbequina olive oil. Store Arbequina oil in a cool place away from direct light. Experiment by combining Arbequina oil with mild spices like vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Why is Arbequina olive oil so special for professional baking? Arbequina olive oil has become a favorite in gourmet baking for its ability to combine health, flavor, and versatility. It's also ideal for introducing into children's diets. For this reason, many professional chefs and pastry chefs, such as Jordi Roca of Celler de Can Roca , have adopted Arbequina olive oil as a secret ingredient in their most exclusive creations. We recommend exploring more about the properties and culinary uses of Arbequina oil in expert sources such as the Spanish Association of Olive Municipalities (AEMO) . At Molino y Cata, we have a special selection of Arbequina olive oils , carefully chosen for their exceptional quality. Ideal for turning your homemade baking into a unique gourmet experience. Discover the sweet Mediterranean secret Using Arbequina olive oil in baking isn't just a smart culinary choice; it's a delicious adventure that allows you to fully discover and enjoy the culinary richness of the Mediterranean. Add a sophisticated and surprising touch to your favorite recipes and enjoy the exquisite results that Arbequina olive oil can bring to your sweet cooking.

Today we want to write an article explaining the process and costs of producing a bottle of high-end or early harvest olive oil to highlight the work that producers, farmers, oil mills, and distributors do in this segment.

Learn all the essentials about EVOO: what it is, how to recognize its quality, its health benefits, and practical tips to get the most out of it.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the pillars of the Mediterranean diet and a natural ally for health. Recent clinical studies (2019–2024) have confirmed its benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Thanks to its richness in polyphenols, healthy fats, and antioxidants, EVOO not only adds flavor to our dishes but also improves our quality of life when consumed regularly and in moderation.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is essential for children's nutrition, providing benefits for brain development, digestive health, and bone and immune system strengthening. It's recommended to introduce it gradually from 6 months of age with mild varieties such as Arbequina, Lecciana, and Arbosana. Involving children in the kitchen and pairing EVOO with their favorite foods facilitates their acceptance. Discover easy recipes and practical tips to enjoy with your family.

On April 9, the winners of the Mario Solinas Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality Award, presented by the International Olive Oil Committee, were announced. This award continues to serve as a catalyst for continuous improvement in the production of extra virgin olive oils, fostering practices that guarantee product excellence and authenticity, benefiting both producers and consumers worldwide.

Discover how to choose the best extra virgin olive oil for your tastes and needs. This practical guide details varieties, processes, certifications, and offers specific recommendations for beginners, connoisseurs, culinary experts, and organic lovers.

The IberOleum 2025 award winners have been revealed, and we want to mention our selected oils and congratulate all the winners.

The virgin olive oil tasting process is rigorous, regulated, and offers transparency to the consumer. In this article, we describe its most important stages, characteristics and how to perform a EVOO taste at home