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What Olive Oils Do Italians Use?
In Italy, the most commonly used olive oils are extra virgin olive oil and mild olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first cold pressing of olives and is highly prized for its flavor and aroma.
It has a fruity taste and a vibrant green color. Mild olive oil is also made from the first cold pressing but with fewer impurities and has a more neutral taste that makes it ideal for cooking.
It is important to note that Italians often select olive oils based on the specific dish they are preparing. For example, delicate dishes such as fish and vegetables may pair better with a milder olive oil while robust dishes such as pasta alla puttanesca may require the bold flavors of extra virgin olive oil.
Additionally, the region where extra virgin olive oil is produced can also impact its flavor and aroma. The most famous Italian regions for extra virgin olive oil production are Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia, each with its own unique characteristics.
Which Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Considered the Highest Quality?
Extra virgin olive oil is generally considered to be the highest quality olive oil. It is made from the highest quality olives and is produced through a process that ensures the oil retains its natural flavor and aroma. I wrote an article on the PRODUCTION PROCESS of olive oil. It will go into more detail on how this great tasting nutritious oil is made.
There are strict standards that must be met to qualify as extra virgin, and it is the only olive oil that is made without the use of chemicals or heat. Due to its high quality, extra virgin olive oil is also more expensive than other types of olive oil.
How We Came Up With The Best Olive Oils
To determine the best Italian extra virgin olive oils in various categories, we conducted extensive research and gathered feedback from a diverse group of individuals who regularly consume olive oil.
Our testing was based on the following criteria:
- Aroma
- Fruitiness
- Bitterness
- Pungency
- Region
- Overall quality
Our testers included regular consumers who were not necessarily professional chefs, ensuring that our results reflected the preferences of a wide range of individuals.
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"The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven." - Thomas Jefferson |
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What Should You Look For?
- Look for olive oils labeled "certified extra virgin"
- Check the region where the oil is produced for unique characteristics
- Consider the specific dish you are preparing and select a mild or extra virgin oil accordingly
- Be willing to pay more for high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Avoid olive oils made with chemicals or heat
Here is a breakdown of some of the best olive oils:
Best Overall Italian Olive Oil:
This tasty extra virgin olive oil is made with green Frantoio olives, resulting in a rich and bold flavor. You can expect to detect strong notes of fresh grass and green herbs when you inhale its aroma.
In fact, it was a Hall of Fame winner in 2023 at the esteemed Flos Olei Awards. To enjoy it at its best, we recommend trying it with slightly bitter green salads or roasted/grilled vegetables
Produced by Frantoio Franci
Details
- Extra Virgin 16.9 fl oz(500ml)
- Intensity: Robust
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022(NEW)
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Top Olive Oil For Cooking:
This exceptional extra virgin olive oil is extracted by cold-pressing green Peranzana and Frantoio olives.
Its robust and assertive aroma is accompanied by a delightful flavor of freshly picked fruit and leaves. It makes a perfect accompaniment to toasted bread, grilled red meat, and salads.
Produced by Frantoio Bonamini
Details
- Extra Virgin 16.9 fl oz (500ml)
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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Top Olive Oil For Dressing and Dipping
This delicious extra virgin olive oil is made from green Coratina olives and has a distinctively intense flavor profile.
It boasts prominent notes of green herbs and tomato vine and was awarded a silver medal at NYIOOC in 2017. This oil pairs exceptionally well with fried fish and roasted or grilled vegetables
Produced by Olio Guglielmi
Details
- Extra Virgin 16.9 fl oz (500ml)
- Intensity: Extreme
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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Best Olive Oil for Baking
This particular extra virgin olive oil is made from green Nocellara del Belice olives and has a medium robust intensity.
Its distinct aroma profile includes notes of grass and artichoke. In recognition of its quality, it was awarded the gold award in 2023 by the NYIOOC.
If you're looking for a delicious pairing, try this oil with broiled fish and roasted or grilled vegetables.
Produced by Mandranova
Details
- Extra Virgin 16.9 fl oz (500ml)
- Intensity: Medium Robust
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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Best Fruity Olive Oil
Experience the exquisite taste of this lemon-flavored extra virgin olive oil that is made from handpicked Frantoio olives.
This cold-pressed oil is perfect for enhancing the flavor of your fruit salads and fish dishes.
Add a zesty twist to your meals with this premium-quality oil.
Produced by Marina Colonna
Details
- Crushed Extra Virgin 8.45 fl oz (250ml)
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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Best Peppery Olive Oil
This is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil made from Coratina olives that have been crushed and mixed with natural hot pepper flavoring.
This delightful oil is perfect for pairing with soups, stews, and meats.
Produced by Olio Guglielmi
Details
- Crushed Extra Virgin 8.45 fl oz (250ml)
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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Best Olive Oil For Red Meat
This extra virgin olive oil is made from a blend of green and ripe Moraiolo olives and has a medium intensity flavor.
It has a distinct aroma of olives and herbs. This oil complements red meat and legumes or pulses well and can enhance the flavor of such dishes.
Produced by Frantoio Gradassi
Details
- Extra Virgin 25.3 fl oz (750ml)
- Intensity: Medium
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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Best Flavored Olive Oil
Experience the rich taste of our finely crafted Coratina olives in the form of our crushed extra virgin olive oil that features a delightful twist of garlic flavor.
This versatile oil is perfect for enhancing the taste of grilled breads and meats.
Produced by Olio Guglielmi
Details
- Crushed Extra Virgin 8.45 fl oz (250ml)
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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The Best Extreme Intensity Olive Oil
This premium extra virgin olive oil is made from carefully selected green Coratina olives, resulting in a bold and intense taste with hints of grass and artichoke. It was recently awarded the prestigious Gold Award at the 2022 Olive Japan competition.
For a delicious culinary experience, drizzle this oil over fried fish or roasted/grilled vegetables to bring out their natural flavors.
Produced by Olio Guglielmi
Details
- Extra Virgin 16.9 fl oz (500ml)
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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Best Olive Oil to Buy In Bulk
This organic extra virgin olive oil is made from green Coratina olives and boasts of a strong flavor.
With distinct aromas of almonds and green herbs, it was awarded a bronze award in 2020 from Ercole Olivario. Pair it with refreshing leafy green salads or fruit salads to truly savor its taste.
Produced by Sabino Leone
- Details Organic Extra Virgin 169 fl oz(5 Liters)
- Intensity: Robust
- Harvest Date: Fall 2022 (NEW)
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What Makes The Best Italian Olive Oil
The best Italian olive oil is typically extra virgin olive oil, which is made from high-quality olives and processed without the use of chemicals or heat to preserve the natural aroma and flavor of the olives.
When selecting Italian olive oil, it is important to look for certifications such as "certified extra virgin" and to consider the dish being prepared. Delicate dishes may require milder olive oil, while robust dishes may require the bold flavors of extra virgin olive oil.
The region in which the olive oil is produced can also impact its flavor and aroma. Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia are all famous Italian regions for olive oil producers, each with its own unique characteristics.
When purchasing Italian extra virgin olive oil, be willing to invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it is more expensive but worth it for its pure and natural taste. Avoid olive oils that use chemicals or heat in their production.
Additionally, selecting an olive oil that suits the specific dish being prepared can elevate the flavors of the dish. It is also worth considering the region where the olive oil is produced, as each region can impart its own unique flavor and aroma.
Overall, the best Italian olive oil is one that is pure, flavorful, and complements the dish being prepared.
If you want to know about the history of olive oil, read my article THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OLIVE OIL.
How to Properly Store Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Properly storing extra virgin olive oil is important to maintain its quality and prevent it from spoiling. Here are some tips for storing your Italian olive oil:
- Keep it away from heat and light: Exposure to heat and light can cause oxidation and spoil the oil. Store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet.
- Keep it tightly sealed: Oxygen can also cause oxidation and spoil the oil. Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use.
- Use it within its best-by date: Extra virgin olive oil has a shelf life and will eventually go rancid. Be sure to use it within its best-by date or within six months of opening.
- Don't store it in the fridge: Storing olive oil in the fridge can cause it to solidify and affect its flavor. It is best to store it at room temperature.
By properly storing your Italian olive oil, you can ensure that it maintains its quality and enhances the flavor of your dishes.
Conclusion
Italian olive oil is some of the best available in the world, with a long history and tradition of producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
When looking for Italian olive oil, be sure to look for certifications such as "certified extra virgin" and consider the region where it's produced for unique characteristics. Additionally, its important to pay more for high-quality extra virgin olive oil to ensure you're getting a pure and authentic product.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious Italian olive oils that will enhance your culinary experience.
Whether you're preparing a delicate dish or something robust; adding flavor with fruity notes or hot pepper; baking or cooking - there are many exceptional Italian olive oils available to choose from. With a little research and the right selection, you can find the perfect Italian olive oil for your next dish.
"Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links at no additional cost to you."
FAQ
Which olive oil has the highest polyphenols?
The best olive oils with high polyphenol content include those made from early-harvested olives, as well as those produced through cold extraction methods. Polyphenol-rich oils have been linked to numerous health benefits.
Where in Italy do the best olive oil producers make olive oil made?
Some of the best Italian olive oil brands you must buy when in Italy. They are made in Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia, each with its own unique characteristics. These regions have a long history of producing high-quality olive oil.
How can you tell if olive oil is 100 pure?
To determine if Italian olive oils are 100% pure, look for certifications such as "certified extra virgin" and "Made in Italy." Also, check the label for any added ingredients or adulterants, as pure olive oil should only contain olives and nothing else.
What is the best olive oil to drink daily?
Some of the best olive oils to drink daily are extra virgin olive oil, as it has a high polyphenol content and is minimally processed. Look for oils that are certified extra virgin and produced using cold extraction methods for the highest quality.
Why is olive oil better in Italy?
The best extra virgin olive oils are made in Italy due to the country's long history and experience in producing high-quality olive oil, as well as the strict regulations and standards in place to ensure the purity and quality of the oil. Additionally, the unique climate and soil conditions in different regions of Italy contribute to the diverse flavors and aromas of the Italian olive oil brands.
Why don t Italians throw away olive oil?
Italians don't throw away olive oil because it is a valuable and versatile ingredient in their cuisine, used for cooking, dressing, and dipping. They also have a deep appreciation for the history and tradition of olive oil production in their country.
Why is Italian extra virgin olive oil so expensive?
Italian extra virgin olive oil is often more expensive due to the high quality of the olives used and the strict production processes in place to ensure purity and authenticity. Additionally, the demand for extra virgin olive oil around the world also contributes to its higher price.
What are some of the best Italian olive oil brands?
Some of the best Italian olive oil brands include Frantoio Franci, Olio Guglielmi, and Frantoio Bonamini. These brands produce high-quality organic extra virgin oil with unique flavors and aromas.