Olive Oil

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Once referred to as "liquid gold" in ancient Greek times, olive oil  can be used to flavour and cook all different types of dishes. Created by pressing olive fruit into olive paste and then extracting oil from it, this product originates from areas with a high concentration of olive trees, namely the Mediterranean  regions. To maintain quality of product and oversee all brands, there is an International Olive Oil Council (IOOC). Olive oil can come in regular or light brands; however this does not distinguish a difference in calories but rather a lighter, or less heavy, flavouring. Most olive oil can be re-used and stored for up to a year.

Fast Facts

  • Pomace oil  is a lesser known olive oil that is often used for cooking in restaurants.
  • Any olive oil product that states it is "from hand-picked olives" is said to be of better quality, since the olives in many products are picked by machines and therefore have a chance to over-ripen.
  • Olive oil is said to be a healthy oil that regulates cholesterol and has a low saturated fat content.
  • Oil can be used in skin products and also has medicinal properties.
  • For more inquiries about olive oil, this site from the Australian Olive Association is helpful.

Types

There are two main types of olive oil.

Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil :  This type of oil is 100% made from olives and is said to have superior taste and quality

Pure Olive Oil :  This type of oil blends virgin olive oil with refined oil, and as a result, is considered by some to have a different or "less pure"  taste.

More Cooking Oils

All of these oils are low in saturated fat, which makes them popular for cooking use.

Corn Oil : This oil is used in frying and baking and is also found in margarine.

Grapeseed Oil : This product is similar to olive oil but has a more neutral taste and is often used to stir-fry.

Sunflower Oil : This oil can be used for frying and it has more recently been used in snacks like potato crisps. 

Vegetable Oil : This product contains a blend of different oils and can often be used for frying.

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