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Why Buy California Extra Virgin Olive Oil

By Sharron Cantu


California is a landscape of microclimates, cool and wet by the ocean, dry and hot inland. Different varieties are harvested at varying degrees of ripeness, adding to the array of flavors. Over 100 cultivators grow a variety of olive types in a variety of soil types. You can be sure California extra virgin olive oil is the very best in taste and quality.

Light, heat, and oxygen causes rancidity. Look for product sold in dark, usually green, glass bottles or with packaging that protects from light exposure. At home, store in a cool, dark place or wrap the bottle in aluminum foil. For top quality, the shelf life is 1 year from the harvesting date.

California standards are more rigorous those set by the International Olive Oil Council. To meet California Olive Oil Council's strict standards, oil must be extracted mechanically, and without added chemicals. When cold pressed, no heat used during the crushing process, the resulting product is pure, natural, rich in flavor. Top quality product takes time so expect the best to cost a bit more. When unfiltered, there is a slightly longer shelf life and a slightly higher antioxidant content. The choice between filtered or unfiltered is primarily one of personal preference.

Oils vary in fruit intensity from delicate to medium to robust. Taste is not a quality indicated on the label. Research a few choices and buy a few brands to find the one you like best. The best choice depends on personal preference and use.

Robust intensity adds flavor to robustly flavored meats like lamb and steak. Or use in salad dressing for an arugula salad. Medium intensity adds just the right amount of flavor to grilled veggies, poultry, salad dressing. Use a delicate flavor for cooking and garnishing fish or any dish where light flavor is preferred.

For best frying results, use a temperature of 360-380 degrees. Frying oil can be reused for frying purposes up to 3 times. Filtering through a coffee filter removes food impurities. High temperatures reduced the healthful benefits so plentiful in this wonderful, heart healthy oil. Garnish the meal with a little fresh oil straight from the bottle to restore all the healthful vitamins and antioxidants.

The term "virgin" means oil has been processed mechanically and there's been no chemical treatments. "Extra" means virgin produced oil, superior taste, and no more than . 5% acidity. Extra virgin oil is high in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats that protect against heart disease. It's high quality flavor is preferred for all types of cooking.

Olive oil contains high density lipoproteins (HDLs) associated with a reduction in heart disease. High in monounsaturated fat, it helps lower cholesterol and control insulin levels. It has a preventative effect against heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and ulcerative colitis. It even has a slight preventative effect against depression and Alzheimer's by helping to shuttle abnormal proteins out of the brain. Powerful antioxidants protect against some cancers, including breast cancer. Olive oil contains vitamins E, A, K, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It's good for the eyes, skin, bones, immune system, even cognitive function. Best of all, there's no increased risk of coronary heart disease from frying with this healthy and very flavorful oil.




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