How To Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Summary

• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most versatile and health-boosting foods you can use in your kitchen. From cooking at high temperatures to drinking a daily shot for health, EVOO offers countless benefits. This guide explores how to cook, store, and enjoy extra virgin olive oil — and why Morocco Gold sets the gold standard for purity and performance.

Contents

1. Why Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil The Most Versatile And Nutritious Cooking Oil?
2. Debunking Myths About Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3. How Should I Store My Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
4. Can I Drink A Shot Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Every Day?

Why Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil The Most Versatile And Nutritious Cooking Oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols and healthy fats, making it ideal for everyday cooking and heart health. Learn more about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil.

When it comes to cooking oils, the variety of options on grocery store shelves can feel overwhelming. From coconut oil to avocado oil, the choices are vast, but one oil consistently reigns supreme in terms of nutrition and versatility—extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Celebrated in Mediterranean cuisine and beyond, EVOO is not just a delicious addition in your kitchen; it’s packed with health benefits that can transform your meals into something as nutritional as it is flavourful.

If you’re looking for top-tier quality, Morocco Gold’s extra virgin olive oil offers incredible nutritional value and exceptional taste. Sourced from Morocco and produced using traditional methods, Morocco Gold EVOO is renowned for its purity and rich polyphenol content as well as its versatility for a number of uses. So why take advantage of our various discounts and order a bottle of Morocco Gold today?

Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil comes from a truly unique source where the unique micro-climate and geological conditions provide the perfect conditions for growing the Picholine Marrocaine, the only type of olive used for Morocco Gold. For more detail on why Morocco Gold is the finest choice you can make delve deeper into our production process here.

Debunking Myths About Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Despite popular myths, premium extra virgin olive oil can be safely used for frying, sautéing, and baking.

While extra virgin olive oil has many health benefits thanks to its high antioxidant levels, its reputation of smoking or burning at high heat has caused many home cooks to shy away from heating it up.

However, that smoke you see releasing from the pan doesn’t necessarily mean the oil has gone bad or you need to toss it and start over. In this post, I’ll explain the facts about extra virgin olive oil’s smoke point and debunk some common myths around using this healthy oil for cooking so you can feel comfortable bringing out its flavor in recipes without fear of ruining your meal.  Read more on cooking with EVOO.

What Is The Smoke Point Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

When cooking with extra virgin olive oil the temperature at which smoke starts to appear is called the smoke point. It is just one of the factors used to determine which oils are best for cooking with.

However, the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is not a single number. Rather it is a range of temperatures within which smoking may start. Different types or grades of olive oil have their own smoke point. That’s because their chemical properties vary significantly.

High quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a higher smoke point than others. It ranges roughly between 190 to 220°C (375 to 430°F). That’s because it is low in free fatty acids (FFA) and the smoke point of an oil generally increases as the FFA content decreases. This low acid content puts it at the top of preferred cooking oils.

Cooking exposes food to a variety of temperatures:

• Pan frying (sauté): on stove top heat 120°C (248 °F)
• Deep frying: 160 to 180°C (320 to 356 °F)
• Oven baking: below 200 °C (392 °F), and often no more than 180°C (about 360 °F)
• Stir-frying: 176 to 204 °C (350°F to 400°F)

Premium extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) suits all normal home cooking methods. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a reasonably high smoke point which is generally above the standard temperatures required for cooking. Even better is to cook with premium quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) due to its even lower FFA which results in an actual smoke point in the upper end of the range.

How Should I Store My Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a kitchen staple for home cooks, food enthusiasts, and health-conscious individuals alike. Its rich flavor and numerous health benefits make it a prized ingredient in many households.

However, to maintain its quality and taste, storing extra virgin olive oil correctly is essential.

Best Containers For EVOO

Choosing the right container for your extra virgin olive oil is crucial. The material and design of the vessel can significantly impact the oil’s quality over time.

According to the article in Apartmenttherapy.com

Dark-hued glass bottles, or stainless steel containers (avoid iron or copper containers, which can react with the oil) are best, as any light getting into lighter-coloured bottles can make your olive oil go bad.

If your olive oil comes in a plastic bottle, you might want to consider buying a small reusable bottle like a glass cruet to transfer it into, as chemicals from plastic can potentially leech into your oil.

Many people opt for plastic containers for convenience, but glass is a much better option. Plastic can leach chemicals into the oil, especially if it’s stored for long periods. Glass, particularly dark-coloured glass, is inert and does not interact with the oil. Dark glass also provides additional protection against light.

Should You Refrigerate EVOO?

One common myth is that olive oil should be refrigerated. While refrigeration can slow down the oxidation process, it can also cause the oil to become cloudy and solidify, making it difficult to use. Instead, store your olive oil at room temperature in a dark, cool place.

Ideal Storage Temperature

Some believe that olive oil needs to be stored at very low temperatures to keep it fresh. In reality, room temperature (around 60-70°F or 15-21°C) is ideal. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can negatively affect the oil’s flavor and consistency.

Shelf-Life And Freshness Tips

Another misconception is that olive oil lasts indefinitely. Although extra virgin olive oil has a relatively long shelf life compared to other oils, it is still perishable. Typically, Extra virgin olive oil is best consumed within 18-24 months of production. Always check the best-by date and try to use the oil within a few months of opening it for the freshest flavour.