Olive That! and More

What does Extra Virgin mean?

According the International Olive Oil Council, an organization that regulates the worlds’ olive oil producers, extra virgin olive oil is derived from the fruit of the olive tree under conditions which do not alter the oil in any way. The qualification of “Extra Virgin” comes from specific criteria for production, content and taster. The IOC requires no more that .8% acidity and judged to have superior taste. California’s Olive Oil Council has stricter standards requiring an acidity level less than .5% to qualify as extra virgin. Any olive oil that isn’t virgin or extra virgin has gone through additional processing.

How Should Olive Oil be Stored?

The enemy of olive oil is light & Heat, so you should store your olive oil away from the stove or window sill. Ideally, if stored in a cool, dark place, a cupboard away from heat or direct light, olive oil can be stored unopened for one-two years, but once opened it is best to use it within six months.

What are the conversion rates for recipes that require butter vs. olive oil?

Feel free to substitute heart healthy extra virgin olive oil for butter in your cooking and baking recipes. Olive Oil can be substituted in most main course dishes for frying or sautéing on a one to one basis. However, use the conversion chart for baking: