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Friday 26 June 2015

Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil Information

By Francis Riggs


Olives are often used in cooking, but the fat and oil that is obtained from the olive has many culinary uses. This oil can produced in many ways but is essential the result of pressing whole olives. Although it is commonly used in cooking, this oil is often used in soaps, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and even oil lamps. Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is among one of the best forms this is available in.

Cold pressed refers to the process in which the oil was retrieved. In this process, the oil is not heated higher than a specific temperature, often 80 degrees fahrenheit or 27 degrees celsius. The lower temperature helps preserve the nutrients found in the fat and reduces the amount of degradation that might come from other extraction processes.

Oils that are labeled extra virgin are believed to be of the highest quality. The term virgin is used to signify that the olives were pressed. In other words, no heat or chemicals were used during extraction. The finished product is pure and unrefined, which adds to overall quality. Virgin olive oil has the highest amount of polyphenols, which are beneficial for wellness and health.

In order for extra virgin to be added to a label, there are some requirements that must be met. The products are always checked for sediment, which may be musty, muddy, fusty, winey or rancid. They should also be screened for defects, which might arise for a number of reasons. Sometimes the defects are caused by infected or battered olives, or an inadequate harvest.

A lot of benefits may come from cold-pressed olive oil. Many use it while cooking. It is considered one of the best healthy fats available. EVOO is filled with antioxidants and fatty acids that can improve function of the immune system, and overall well-being. Benefits may be seen on external and internal levels.

While this may be applied to hot and cold dishes, it is important that it EVOO is not used at high heat. This is because it does not have a high smoke point. When cooked to high, the benefits of any oil are removed, as it becomes to break down chemically. Olive oils will start to release chemicals that are toxic and do more harm than good.

Not all olive oils are the same. In fact, a lot of variety is available. There are many different types of olives that may be used. Every single one might offer a different texture, flavor and shelf life. Therefore, these oils may be used in different applications. Some are used for direct human consumption, others are better fit for indirect consumption in catering or domestic cooking. There are even industrial uses for olive oils, such as engineering application and animal feed.

This oil is produced in several areas of the world, predominately Spain, Italy and Greece. Not surprisingly, EVOO is highly consumed in these areas. Texas, Arizona and California are the main states in America where this is produced. Because there are so many positive uses for this type of oil, it is used in many areas of the world.




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