Olive Oil Quality
Olive oil grading follows international quality standards
according to the method of production , the level of acidity and basic organic charicteristics.
Special testers check the taste and smell of an oil. Taste and smell , in conection
with colour , are the three areas checkhed by international testers in assessing
the quality level of a prdocut. Fluidity and harmonious balanced relationship between
the characteristics of the oil , are used to form a final evaulation.
Colour
Colour does not always prove the quality of an oil. A
good oil can be grom green to golden yellow. It can even seem cloudy if it has not
settled yet. As a colour is not a sure sign of quality , experts test olive oil
in dark blue and not transparent glasses. The colour of a product depends on the
main substance of the olive fruit that the oil has been made from. If chlorophyll
is the main factor , then the oil will lean more towards the colour green. If carotene
is the main substance , then the oil will be more golden yellow. Olives which are
gathered at the beginning of the harvesting period , usually produce oil of a greener
colour , due to the chlorophyll they contain.
Acidity
The degree of acidity in olive oil indicates the oleic
acid content. It is believed to be edible , according to the international Olive
Oil Council , when the acidity does not exceed 3.3 degrees ( content of oleic cid
3.3 % ). In reality , olive oil which has an acidity level of no more than one is
much better. In Greece , there is excellent olive oil with acidity less than 0.5
degrees! The degree of acidity greatly affects the taste. Olive oil with a higher
level of acidity makes its presence known on first tasting it as it has a pungent
spicy unpleasant taste. Methodes of harvesting , storage and pressing can affect
the level of acidity. Organic olive oil producers transfer olives to the press ,
not in sacks but in boxes , which do not press or bruise the fruit. Also , producers
take care to not store them more than one or two days so that the fruit is not spoilt.
Organic Olive Oil
Olive oil extraction is done under strict conditions of processing
, where no chemicals are permitted nor heat in the press and no other techniques
are used which migh affect its characteristics. Organic products are strongly protected
by Europe Union law and are carefully checked by quality control organizations.
Organic oil is usually extra virgin olive oil or just virgin. Virgin olive oil In
general , virgin olive is , regardless of its quality level , a natural product
, which has not had its characteristics altered , bas been extracted naturally ,
without chemicals or other processing which does not exceed 33 Celsius cannot affect
its quality. It is the oil used in most olive oil production areas in Greece and
the same referred to by medical studies , which proved that the Creten diet is the
healthiest in the mediterranean. This oil retains all its natural characteristics
which have been pressed out of the olive fruit , including various trace elements
and vitamins.
Olive Oil The Secret Of Good Health
It is known world-wide that olive
oil acts as a shield of protection regarding our Health , when taking into account
cardiovascular diseases , cancer , even diabetes and other deseases. More and more
researchis being done which shows the great value of olive oil as a perfect food
for man.
Bad Cholestrol
The consumption of olive oil insted of other fats or oils
reduces the concentration of LDL cholesterol in the blood without decreasing the
levels of HDL , the so called “bad” and “good” cholesterol respectivly!
Triglycerides
It has been shown that olive oil reduces the level of triglycerides in the blood.
A collection of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can block the arteries
which transport oxygen to the brain and heart. In general , olive oil protects againts
heart deseases.
Hypertension
Olive oil reduces blood pressure , systolic and diastolic.
Therefor it decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Cancer
Recent studies
have shown that olive oil consumption can slow down breast cancer and other types
of cancer. A balannced diet with olive oil and vegetables can reduce the chances
of the appearence of cancer by 75%
Gastrointestinal System
Recent research shows
that olive oil in conjunction with a healty diet (vegetables , little meat , ect..)
*protects against cancer of the stomach *makes the liver work better *helps the
liver to detoxify poisonous substances.
Osteoporosis
Olive oil assists in the maintenance
of bone thickness and protects against osteoporosis.
Rheumatoid Arhritis
Olive oil
consumption reduces the chances of the appearance of this condition by 75% , especially
with a balanced diet and the consumption of fish.