EVOO is the acronym for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. But what does EVOO really mean?
KEY FACT
In Spain, 70% of consumers still don’t know the difference between olive oil (a refined oil with only 10% virgin) and a genuine extra virgin.
An olive oil being extra virgin means that it is pure pressed olive juice. A plain “olive oil” is a blend of different refined olive oils and virgin oils. As a result, the oil not only loses its “virginity”, but also a large amount of the polyphenols and vitamins found in EVOO, as well as its organoleptic properties (aroma and flavour). What’s more, both its nutritional value and its sensory qualities are greatly reduced.
What is the difference between olive oil, virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?
There is some confusion, sometimes deliberate, around the name “olive oil”, as it can refer either to all olive oils as a whole (extra virgin, virgin, refined and lampante) or to one specific commercial grade. In Spain, 70% of consumers do not know the difference between olive oil (a refined oil without the natural antioxidants) and an extra virgin.
- Olive oil: a blend of 90% oil refined at high temperatures (it loses its organoleptic properties, although it is still fit for consumption) with 10% EVOO.
- Virgin olive oil: pressed by mechanical methods, it largely retains its organoleptic properties, although it may have a slight defect detected by the Panel Test.
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): a perfect olive juice, with no defects at all, assessed in the Panel Test by eight expert tasters, with an acidity that does not exceed 0.8 degrees. It is the one that best preserves flavour, aroma and nutritional properties.
Frequently asked questions about EVOO
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: pure pressed olive juice, with no blends or refining.
Plain “olive oil” is a blend of refined oil (90%) and EVOO (10%), whereas EVOO is 100% unrefined olive juice.
Through the Panel Test, a tasting carried out by eight expert tasters under controlled conditions, together with physicochemical parameters such as an acidity below 0.8 degrees.
