It ranks among the top places in international competitions such as the World's Best Olive Oils 2021/2022 and the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Paying attention to the label and keeping an eye on the price can help you choose the most authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil possible.
The factors that characterize a good EVO oil
Generally, the factors that cannot be missing in a good Italian extra virgin olive oil and not only are:
- the origin of the olives (for example “100% Italian“);
- the typology of the same;
- the harvest period;
- the place and type of pressing;
- the place where the bottling took place.
The fourth point is very important for an EVO oil. In fact, to be considered as such, it means it was obtained through "cold pressing."
In this case, the olive pressing temperature does not exceed 27°C, which preserves and enhances the organoleptic characteristics of the oil and its aromas.
Price helps complete the picture. The production costs of extra virgin olive oil are quite high. To produce one liter, 7 kg of olives are needed.
Once these factors have been considered, all that remains is to enjoy a drizzle of Italian EVO oil on a slice of bread to peacefully enjoy both its flavor and its many beneficial properties.
Consider that since 2018, extra virgin olive oil is no longer "just" a food but a true medicine. This is according to the Food and Drug Administration , the American government agency that regulates food and pharmaceutical products.
Nutrients and beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil
When consumed in the right quantities, extra virgin olive oil—a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet—can provide numerous health benefits.
In 100g of Italian EVO oil there are numerous substances, including:
- 22.4 mg of vitamin E,
- 0.2 mg of iron
- 36 micrograms of vitamin A, plus traces of sodium, potassium, zinc, copper and selenium;
- vitamin E which, together with a series of polyphenols, counteracts the action of free radicals, responsible for oxidative damage to tissues;
- vitamins D, K and B6, which promote the process of absorption and fixation of calcium in the bones.
- Oleic acid (which is a monounsaturated fatty acid) protects our arteries and regulates cholesterol levels circulating in the blood: it lowers LDL cholesterol (the “bad” one), reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and preserves HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol).
In general, extra virgin olive oil plays an important role in preventing cancers, such as colon and breast cancer, and is beneficial for the digestive system: it appears to reduce gastric acid secretion and the risk of ulcers.
But it doesn't end there: in addition to having a detoxifying effect on the liver and the entire body, it reduces bad cholesterol (HDL) levels thanks to phytosterols while increasing "good cholesterol" (HDL) levels through monounsaturated fats, promoting cleansing of the arteries.
Furthermore, it appears to be important in lowering blood pressure, preventing heart attacks and strokes; it limits the development of some cancers, especially breast cancer; and it reduces blood sugar spikes after meals in people with type 1 diabetes.
And if you feel a tickle in your throat when tasting something seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, know that that's also a good thing: the oleocanthal that causes that sensation may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with dementia.
In this regard, it seems that the number of people affected by Alzheimer's in Mediterranean countries is lower than in the rest of the world. This finding didn't seem coincidental to a team of American researchers : the explanation lies in the high concentration of monounsaturated fats in olive oil.
According to their study, later published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience , it is precisely oleocanthal – a minor component of olive oil – that reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain, believed to be responsible for nerve degeneration.
This infinite goodness, at Frantoio D'Orazio, is wrapped in evocative and colorful packaging. Our article "Gourmet Party Favors: A Tasty Memorable Gift for Your Party" presents the vast selection available.
