Does It Matter? Virgin vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Many people assume virgin and extra virgin olive oil are the same thing, but there are actually significant differences between the two.

To start with, virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil are both made from pure, cold-pressed olives. The difference between the two lies in the quality and acidity of the oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil available, with an acidity level of less than 0.8 percent. Virgin olive oil, on the other hand, has an acidity level of between 0.8 and 2 percent.

The reason that acidity matters so much in olive oil production is because it affects the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the oil. High-quality olive oil should have a fresh flavor and a pleasant aroma, with no bitterness or harshness. When olive oil has a higher acidity level, it can taste rancid or even rotten.

In order to be classified as extra virgin olive oil, the oil must also meet certain sensory standards. A panel of experts evaluates the oil for its flavor, aroma, and other sensory characteristics. If the oil does not meet these standards, it cannot be classified as extra virgin.

Also, extra virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of the olives, whereas virgin olive oil can be made from subsequent pressings. This means that extra virgin olive oil contains more of the natural flavors and aromas of the olives.

Extra virgin olive oil is produced using strict quality control measures, which ensure that the oil is pure and free from any defects or impurities. For example, extra virgin olive oil cannot contain any chemicals or solvents, whereas virgin olive oil can be produced using chemical extraction methods.

Finally, extra virgin olive oil is often more expensive than virgin olive oil because it is made from higher quality olives and is subject to more rigorous production standards. Not only does EVOO have a superior flavor and aroma, but it is also free from any chemicals or solvents and is subject to strict quality control measures.

It is worth noting, however, that not all extra virgin olive oils are created equal. Some producers may try to pass off lower quality oils as extra virgin, or may dilute their oil with lower quality oils. 

The difference between virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil comes down to quality and acidity. Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of high-quality olives and has an acidity level of less than 0.8 percent. It is subject to strict quality control measures and is free from any chemicals or solvents. If you want the best quality olive oil, choose Frenzi extra virgin olive oil.