Grades of Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The highest grade and most versatile due to the range of flavor profiles available. Virgin oil must be unrefined, have less than 0.8% free oleic acid and exhibit superior taste and aroma.
Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil is also unrefined but has a higher level of oleic acid and less bold flavor than extra virgin olive oil.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a blend of virgin and refine. Heat and chemicals are used in the process of extracting oil and removing flaws. Olive oil contains less than 1% of oleic acid and is a household all-purpose cooking oil.
Olive Pomace Oil
Olive pomace oil is a lesser quality. It is a blend of refined pomace oil and virgin olive oil. Its mild taste is the result of a refining process using chemicals.
Refined Oil
Refined olive oil is made from refining virgin olive oils that have a high acidity level to eliminate defects. It is generally tasteless, colorless, and has no odor.