5 Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in UAE

Extra virgin olive oil is a special and pure type of olive oil made from the juice of olives. It has a unique and rich taste and is very good for your health.

People in the Mediterranean region often use it in their cooking, like in salads and marinades.

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil are well-known and include:

1. It has good fats that can help your heart and lower the risk of heart disease.
2. It has antioxidants that protect your body and may help prevent cancer and inflammation.
3. It might help lower your blood pressure and manage your blood sugar levels.
4. It’s good for your skin and may keep it looking young and healthy.

Extra virgin olive oil has lots of polyphenols, which are good for you and might reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

It’s important to remember that not all olive oil is the same. Some kinds are mixed with other oils or made using chemicals and high heat, which takes away the natural goodness and taste. But extra virgin olive oil is made by simply pressing the olives without any chemicals or heat, making it pure and of high quality.

Choosing the best extra virgin olive oil is important for both taste and health benefits. You should look at where it comes from, how it’s made, and if it has certifications and awards to make sure you get the best one.

Top Extra Virgin Olive Oil Brands In UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to a variety of extra virgin olive oil brands, each offering its own unique flavor and quality. Some of the top brands in the UAE include:

Filippo Berio

Filippo Berio is one of the most popular extra virgin olive oil brands in the UAE. The brand has been in business for over 150 years and is known for its high-quality oils that are made from olives grown in Italy. Filippo Berio extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and has a rich, fruity flavor that makes it ideal for cooking and salad dressings.

Bertolli

Bertolli is another well-known extra virgin olive oil brand in the UAE. The brand is known for its high-quality oils that are made from olives grown in Italy. Bertolli extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and has a mild, fruity flavor that makes it ideal for cooking and salad dressings.

Carapelli

Carapelli is a premium extra virgin olive oil brand that is known for its high-quality oils. The brand’s oils are made from olives grown in Italy and are cold-pressed to retain their natural flavor and nutrients. Carapelli extra virgin olive oil has a rich, fruity flavor that makes it ideal for cooking and salad dressings.

Gaea

Gaea is a Greek brand of extra virgin olive oil that is known for its high-quality oils. The brand’s oils are made from olives grown in Greece and are cold-pressed to retain their natural flavor and nutrients. Gaea extra virgin olive oil has a fruity, slightly bitter flavor that makes it ideal for cooking and salad dressings.

Farchioni

Farchioni is a brand of extra virgin olive oil that is known for its high-quality oils. The brand’s oils are made from olives grown in Italy and are cold-pressed to retain their natural flavor and nutrients. Farchioni extra virgin olive oil has a fruity, slightly bitter flavor that makes it ideal for cooking and salad dressings.

All of these brands are known for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil that is made from the first cold press of the olives and is not subjected to any chemical or heat treatments, which results in a pure and high-quality oil. Each of these brands have a distinct flavor profile, which is usually influenced by the country of origin, the production method and the certifications and awards.

Comprehensive Guide: Selecting Virgin Olive Oil

When looking for Virgin Olive Oil, it’s essential to consider several factors. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring an informed decision for your culinary needs.

Step 1: Know Virgin Olive Oil

Understanding Virgin Olive Oil is crucial. It’s the purest form, extracted from olives through cold pressing, without any chemicals. This oil retains natural flavors and aromas, perfect for cooking, salad dressings, and potential health benefits.

Step 2: Types of Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin Olive Oil comes in various types, each with distinct characteristics:

a) Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Top quality among Virgin Olive Oils.
• Acidity level below 0.8%.
• Rich flavor and aroma, perfect for drizzling.

b) Virgin Olive Oil

• Slightly higher acidity (up to 2%).
• Milder taste, suitable for everyday cooking.

Step 3: Label Check

Pay close attention to the label when buying Virgin Olive Oil:

• Harvest Date: Fresher oil is better; choose a recent harvest.
• Origin: Opt for oils from known olive-growing regions like Italy, Greece, or Spain.
• Certifications: Look for PDO or PGI for quality assurance.

Step 4: Packaging Matters

Packaging affects Virgin Olive Oil quality:

• Dark Glass Bottles: Protects oil from light, preserving freshness.
• Tin Containers: Excellent light protection, recyclable.
• Avoid Plastic Bottles: May affect oil quality.

Step 5: Observe Color and Clarity

Color and clarity indicate Virgin Olive Oil quality:

• Color: High-quality oils are golden-green or greenish-yellow.
• Clarity: Clear oil without sediment is well-filtered.

Step 6: Smell the Aroma

Swirl the oil and sniff to assess its aroma:

• Fruity: Pleasant and fruity aroma indicates freshness.
• Grassy or Peppery: Suggests beneficial antioxidants.

Step 7: Taste Test

Taste matters in Virgin Olive Oil:

• Fruity and Balanced: Look for a balanced taste.
• Bitterness and Pungency: Indicate antioxidants and fresh olives.

Step 8: Check Acidity Levels

Lower acidity means better quality; aim for below 0.8% for extra virgin and up to 2% for virgin olive oil.

Step 9: Quality vs. Price

Investing in higher-quality Virgin Olive Oil enhances culinary creations and health benefits, even if it costs slightly more.

Step 10: Proper Storage

Store Virgin Olive Oil correctly:

• Cool and Dark Place: Prevent oxidation in a cool, dark cupboard.
• Avoid Heat and Light: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Use Timely: Consume within six months of opening.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Extra Virgin Olive Oil

When selecting extra virgin olive oil, several important factors need consideration to ensure the acquisition of a top-notch product.

Country of Origin: Olive oil originates from various countries, with Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, and Morocco being popular producers. Each country’s unique soil, climate, and harvesting techniques impact the final flavor and nutritional profile. Seek extra virgin olive oil from reputable countries known for their high-quality production.

Production Method: Extra virgin olive oil is obtained from the first cold press of olives, without heat or chemicals. Some producers might use a centrifuge process, resulting in lower quality oil with diminished flavor and nutrients. To ensure high quality, opt for extra virgin olive oil produced using the traditional cold-press method.

Acidity Level: Acidity level is a crucial factor in determining extra virgin olive oil’s quality. Look for oil with an acidity level of no more than 0.8%. Lower acidity indicates fresher, higher quality oil.

Certifications and Awards: Seek certifications and awards from respected organizations like the International Olive Council (IOC) or the Extra Virgin Alliance (EVA). These organizations conduct rigorous testing to ensure oil meets extra virgin olive oil standards. Brands recognized or awarded by them are considered among the best.

Taste and Smell: Taste and smell serve as vital indicators of extra virgin olive oil quality. High-quality oil should have a fruity, grassy, or slightly bitter taste, along with a hint of green fruit and vegetables in its aroma.

How to Buy the Right Olive Oil [Video]

How To Use And Store Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin olive oil is a healthy and versatile oil you can use in many ways. Here are some tips for using and storing it:

1. Cooking: You can use virgin olive oil for frying, sautéing, and roasting because it can handle high heat. It also adds a great flavor to marinades, dressings, and dips.
2. Salad Dressings: Mix virgin olive oil with vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices for tasty and healthy salad dressings.
3. Finishing Touch: Drizzle the oil over pasta, veggies, or bread to enhance their taste with its fruity and robust flavor.
4. Beauty and Hair Care: You can also use this oil as a natural moisturizer for your skin and hair. Some believe it helps reduce wrinkles.

When storing virgin olive oil, keep it in a cool, dark place to avoid it going bad. It should be in a dark bottle or container to protect it from light. Once opened, use it within a few months to keep its flavor and quality. Check the expiration date before using it, and if it smells or tastes strange, throw it away.

Remember not to heat it too much, as that can damage its good components. Use it for finishing touches, dressings, or marinades instead.