Best Aspects Of California Extra Virgin Olive Oils



When Spanish Missionaries relocated to the West Coast of the American continent they brought with them cuttings of their beloved olive trees from their homelands. They found that the growing conditions in the valleys and foothills of California were excellent for growing the trees and creating orchards that would produce olives and their oil. Subsequently, California extra virgin olive oils (EVOO)have developed into the best in the world.

Over the years fifty different species of olive trees that are used to produce oil that is distributed nationwide. Before it can be labeled as EVOO it must be tested to determine that it is made from the first squeeze of the fruit and that the fruit has been recently harvested. It must also be verified that there are no chemicals and it has not been refined in any way.

After the oil purity is tested it must pass taste tests by a panel of experts. The flavor and aroma are very important for quality oil grading. There is a distinct difference in the flavors of green and ripe fruit. The ripe fruit produces an oil that is mild, aromatic, buttery and floral in taste where as green fruit has a peppery, grassy and pleasantly bitter flavor when tasted.

Beyond the obvious attraction of flavor there are many health benefits attributed to this oil. It has been shown to be beneficial in preventing high blood pressure and controlling cholesterol levels in people. Because there are no saturated fats found in it moderate use is highly recommended to maintain heart health.

This oil has been used for centuries by women to slow the aging process of their skin. Today it is used in many brands of makeup and skin creams. It contains vitamins in very high concentrations that are known to improve skin texture. These vitamins fight off the free radicals that cause damage to exposed areas like the face and arms.

The benefits of consuming this oil are dependent upon the quality of your product. You must purchase certified EVOO to gain the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help fight inflammation and cell damage that can lead to cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes. It is also helpful with the body's absorption of calcium and constipation.

The steps to ensuring that you purchase the highest quality product are relatively simple. First you need to read the label. Check for the harvest date because the shelf life is only about eighteen months from that date. Check for a COOC certification stamp on the label. This label certifies that it has passed inspection with the Calif. Olive Oil Certification organization. Make certain you purchase the oil in dark bottles because this protects it from light and after purchase store it in a cool place away from heat but not in the refrigerator.

People are becoming very aware of how what they eat and do has direct effects on their health and longevity. This may one of the reasons that this product has become one of the most popular items on the grocers shelves in the past thirty years.

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