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Spanish olive oil, its cultivation and its processing, which started during the Phoenician era, are closely tied to the history of Spain. It is thought that the Phoenicians spread olive tree cultivation through the Greek Islands and then brought them to the Spanish coasts more than 3,000 years ago. |
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Olive oil history has come a very long way since the times when the Romans used it as a medicinal product to nowadays, when recipe olive oil is used by prestigious chefs to prepare gourmet dishes. It has also been analyzed in the laboratories of reputed scientists who tell us the reasons for its outstanding health benefits.
Olive oil production is extended from Extremadura to Catalonia, drawing a route which leads us through the fields of Andalusia, Murcia, Castilla la Mancha, Valencia and Aragon, giving the origin denominations to olive oil. Olive oil consumption is a fundamental part of Mediterranean and Spanish diets, and what's more: Spain is the world's leading producer and seller of quality olive oil.
Olive oil health benefit:
Extra virgin olive oil has got numerous properties, which are highly beneficial to our health; this is why the increasing sale of olive oil has promoted a considerable increment in olive cultivation and production, although oil prices are still higher than the price of other kinds of oil.
Olive oil consumption stimulates bone growth and the absorption of calcium, it is highly beneficial to our cardiovascular system, and helps prevent skin aging, cancer and diabetes. Extra virgin olive oil helps the bad cholesterol levels go down without affecting the good cholesterol. Also, it is used for the cosmetic industry such as, olive oil for skin care or hair treatment shampoo, olive oil soap, etc.
Not all kinds of olive oils are the same; as well as wines, they have very complex sensory, aromatic and tasting attributes. The most experienced gourmets will know how to
appreciate all the nuances of a good olive oil.
Classification of Olive Oil
(In increasing order of quality):
Olive Pomace Oil
It is obtained from the remains of the olives after having extracted extra virgin olive oil. It is then blended with virgin and refined olive oils. Maximum acidity: 0.5º.
Olive Oil
It is the blend of virgin olive oils and refined olive oils. Refined olive oil is obtained by a depuration process of low quality olive oil. Maximum acidity: 1.5º.
Virgin Olive Oil
This oil is obtained using solely mechanical means which do not alter the oil in any way and which has not undergone any chemical treatment. Maximum acidity: 2º.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
It is virgin olive oil with a maximum acidity of 0.8º.
Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil.
This kind of olive oil is intended to fulfil the demands of all those consumers who look for the best products in deli shops. The price of organic olive oil is considerably higher, but we are talking about a gourmet olive oil, as this type of extra virgin olive oil has been produced by cultivating olive trees without using chemical products, what provides it with even better properties.
