What is olive oil?
This oil is obtained by blending refined olive oil and virgin olive oil. Its free acidity level must not exceed 1g per 100g. In some countries this is known as ‘pure’ olive oil. The European Union is looking at alternative descriptions for the oil such as ‘standard’ olive oil. There are no rules regarding the percentage of virgin olive oil that is added back and this can vary from very little to as much as 50%.
Olive oil is a fat, like butter or lard or corn oil. It is one of only two oils that come from fruit and that can be used without further processing (avocado oil is the other). The olive press is considered to be as old as the wine press. Olive trees were first cultivated in ancient Syria, where they were valued for their fruit, but above all for their tremendously versatile oil, which was used for cooking, lighting, and in medicine. The trees spread throughout ancient world, and are found today all around the Mediterranean, as well as in similar climates worldwide. There are about 900 different varieties of olive tree. Much like grapes, olive varietals fall into three categories, according to the best use of the fruit they produce: eating olives, cooking oil olives, or condiment-quality oil olives. Many people are confused by the difference between the latter two categories. Olive oil can be used in place of other fats (such as butter, lard, or corn oil) in cooking. Condiment oils, on
