Is Your "Extra Virgin" Olive Oil Truly Extra Virgin?

When you see the words "extra virgin" on an olive oil bottle, you expect the highest quality. Extra virgin olive oil is meant to be made from pure, cold-pressed olives with no defects.

 

However, reports of olive oil fraud reveal that many oils labeled as "extra virgin" are anything but...

The Olive Oil Fraud Problem

Olive oil fraud is rampant. A University of California-Davis study found that 69% of imported olive oil samples failed to meet extra virgin standards!

 

Common issues include mixing lower quality oils, adding colorants, and using spoiled olives.

 

This fraud cheats consumers who pay premium prices for promised health benefits. Without the right controls in place, it also incentivizes companies to produce lower-cost, lower-quality olive. In the end, also hurting true makers of extra virgin olive oil.

Why Quality Matters

Authentic extra virgin olive oil is prized for good reason. Its monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds provide an array of benefits for your health:

 

FOR FOOD

  • Promotes heart health by controlling cholesterol levels.

  • Has anti-inflammatory properties.

  • May help prevent stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

 

FOR SKINCARE

  • Hydrates and protects skin with antioxidants.

  • Improves skin tone and treats conditions like eczema.

  • Makes an excellent facial cleanser and moisturizer that doesn't clog pores.

 

These benefits are lacking or diminished in lower quality, refined olive oils commonly used in today's food and skincare markets.

 

(At Sole Toscana, you can trust the olive oil used in our certified organic skincare and hair care products is "extra virgin" and of the highest quality, straight from our Italian farm.)

Spotting Real "Extra Virgin" Olive Oil

While fraud runs rampant, there are steps to increase your odds of getting real extra virgin:

 

FOR FOOD

  • Buy from a reputable producer with a solid track record. Here is a good starting list ~ 79 Certified Pure and Authentic Olive Oils

  • Look for harvest dates and origins clearly displayed.

  • Buy oils in dark bottles or containers.

  • Notice the fresh, fruity taste and aroma.

  • Check for approved quality seals.

 

FOR SKINCARE

  • Look for brands that are certified organic.

  • Ask the company where they source their olive oil from. (You'll be surprised how many don't have the answer and will need to ask their supplier.)

  • Trust our EU certified organic skincare at Sole Toscana

The Bottom Line

With so much fraud, the "extra virgin" label alone doesn't guarantee an olive oil's purity or quality. Taking a few extra steps, as mentioned in this article, will help ensure you are getting the full health benefits of the olive oil you consume in your diet and skincare.

 

The benefits are worth it, ensuring both your meals and beauty routines are as nourishing as they can be.