Olive oil

Olive oil

As the basis of every recipe found in traditional cuisine, olive oil plays a dominant role in Greek nutritional every day habits. The Greek olive oil is known worldwide for its purity, exceptional taste and high nutritional value. The Extra virgin olive oil comes from virgin oil production only, contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and is judged to have a superior taste. It accounts for less than 10% of oil in many producing countries; the percentage is far higher in the Mediterranean countries (Greece: 80%, Italy: 45%, Spain 30%). Greece is the largest producer of extra virgin olive oil worldwide Greek olive oil producers & exporters  Types of Olive Oil The olive oil taste is a matter of personal preference, it is rich, beautiful, and fragrant, and is a wonderful source of omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acid and antioxidants. The many variables that go into the production of olive oil yield dramatic differences in color, aroma, and flavor.  The following factors can impact the taste of the olive oil • The type of olives used • The location and soil conditions where the olives are grown • The environmental factors and weather conditions during the growing season • The olive ripeness • The timing of the harvest • The harvesting method applied • The length of time between the harvest and pressing of the olives • The pressing technique applied • The packaging and storage methods Olive oil is highly-prized not only for its health benefits, but also for its wonderful flavor. The best olive oil is a blend of oil from a mixture of red-ripe (not green and not fully ripe) olives and a smaller proportion of oil from green olives of a different variety. Cold-pressing, a chemical-free process by using only pressure to produce a higher quality olive oil which is naturally lower in acidity. When purchasing olive oil, it is important to check the labels for the percentage of acidity contained , the grade of oil, the volume, and thecountry of origin. The level of acidity is a key factor in choosing a fine olive oil, along with color, flavor, and aroma.