The Truth About Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The bad news is that finding real olive oil in the supermarket can be a challenge. You can’t rely on the label or the name “Extra Virgin” to guarantee that it’s the real deal. Despite being a legally protected term in Europe, there’s a lot of fraud in the olive oil industry.

Identifying Fake Olive Oil

Before you even open the bottle, there are a few things you can check to see if you have genuine extra virgin olive oil. First, look for the expiry date. If it’s missing, it’s likely that the oil is not genuine. If there is a date, opt for the freshest harvest date available.

Price and Packaging Matter

Unfortunately, the price of olive oil is a good indicator of its quality. The chances of finding real extra virgin olive oil for under eight to nine euros are almost zero. Additionally, check the color of the bottle. Real, good olive oil is typically packaged in a dark bottle to protect it from light, air, and heat, which can all negatively impact the oil’s quality.