Virgin olive oil is flavorful, with a slightly less fruity taste. It is made from the olive and the fruit of the olive tree but still unaltered.

Virgin means the oil was produced with no chemical treatment, however, the term “virgin oil,” referring to production, is different from “virgin oil” on a retail label, according to the International Olive Oil Council Web site.

Pure olive oil — now referred solely as “olive oil” — is defined as the blend of refined olive oil with virgin olive oil. Unfortunately, in the olive oil community, pure olive oil is often the lowest quality available in grocery stores (it lacks flavor) Musollari said, adding better grades would have “virgin” on the label.

“Learn about the different types so that you know what you are buying,” he said. “Taste testing is important and remember, olive oil just makes everything better.”
 

<< Back