Finding The Best California Extra Virgin Olive Oils

By Minnie Whitley


In the later part of the eighteenth century the Spanish came to the Western regions of America to settle. When they arrived they brought cuttings from the olive trees they raised in Spain. The climate in California proved to be perfect for growing them and orchards were soon cultivated. From these meager beginnings California extra virgin olive oils (EVOO)got their start and have become leaders in production of the finest oils in the world.

Before any company can label its product as EVOO they must meet specific conditions set forth by the Calif. Olive Oil Certification (COOC) Board. These standards include regulations that dictate first squeeze oil from a fresh harvest of fruit and a total absence of chemicals and refining processes. There are over fifty different species of olives in groves throughout California and each tree type brings with it different tastes and nuances.

Special panels of experts perform taste and aroma tests on the oil after it has been certified pure. These two aspects of this oil are very important when grading the quality of finished product. There are distinct differences between ripe and green fruit. Both are used to make EVOO and the ripe fruit has a much milder, smoother taste and aroma that the peppery pleasant bitterness of the green fruit.

There are many health benefits for those who consume this type of oil. It has been shown to contain fats that are good for you and antioxidants that help with controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels in people who consistently use it for cooking and consumption. It is much more heart healthy than butter or saturated fats when used wisely.

This oil has been used for centuries by women to slow the aging process of their skin. Today it is used in many brands of makeup and skin creams. It contains vitamins in very high concentrations that are known to improve skin texture. These vitamins fight off the free radicals that cause damage to exposed areas like the face and arms.

To reap the ultimate benefits from this oil you need to find the highest quality product available. The Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants contained in EVOO help to prevent cancer, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes by fighting cell damage and inflammation within the body. Other benefits include advanced calcium absorption and less frequent issues with constipation.

There are simple guidelines to follow when purchasing this product. Firstly, be careful to read the label. It contains very important information such as when the fruit was harvested. After eighteen months this oil can break down and become rancid. Look for the COOC stamp on the bottle. This tells you that it is the purest oil available. Purchase only dark colored bottles that protect the oil from exposure to strong lights and after opened keep it cool but not refrigerated.

People are becoming very aware of how what they eat and do has direct effects on their health and longevity. This may one of the reasons that this product has become one of the most popular items on the grocers shelves in the past thirty years.




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