The Rise of Premium Olive Oil: Why More and More Consumers Are Choosing Quality
Have you noticed? We’re becoming more and more mindful when it comes to what we buy, especially regarding food. We now prioritise quality, because we know it’s synonymous with health, wellbeing and, of course, a great gastronomic experience!
This explains why, in recent years, premium olive oil has begun to feature in many families’ shopping baskets. But do you really know what premium olive oil is? How can we recognise this type of oil? Is it really worth buying? And if so, where can you get it?
Don’t worry! Here at BelOleum, as experts in premium EVOO, we’ve put together all the answers you’re looking for in this post – and many more!
What is premium olive oil?
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: what do we mean by premium olive oil?
Premium olive oil is a type of high-quality extra virgin olive oil that stands out especially for its flavour, aroma and colour, as well as its exceptional nutritional properties.
It’s true that our beloved International Olive Council (IOC) does not officially recognise this “premium” category. This is because the IOC basically establishes a general classification based on more technical aspects, such as the extraction process and the purity of each oil.
Thus, it distinguishes between refined olive oil, virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, the very best in terms of quality. For an oil to be officially considered extra virgin, it must meet strict criteria, such as having an acidity of less than 0.8% and being obtained through cold extraction.
Why are we telling you all this? Because every premium olive oil is also extra virgin. In other words, oils labelled as premium are extra virgin olive oils of an even higher quality – something like “high-end” EVOOs.
They’re considered premium because they’re made from olives of extraordinary quality, harvested in optimal conditions and processed using methods that maximise their nutritional and sensory (organoleptic) qualities, such as their bitterness and intense aroma.
How to recognise a premium olive oil
The question is: how do we know we’re looking at a premium olive oil? The truth is there are several features that give this kind of liquid gold away.
These are the most important factors that will tell you whether you’re dealing with a premium olive oil or not:
- The label and certifications. A premium EVOO usually has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), a seal that guarantees it has been produced in a specific region, under controlled processes and in line with strict quality standards. Our BelOleum oil, for example, has the Aragón PDO.
- Acidity. As we mentioned, it must be below 0.8%, which indicates it has been made with fresh olives and processed carefully. The higher the acidity, the lower the quality!
- Olive variety. If an olive oil is premium, it is very likely made from high-quality olive varieties, such as Arbequina, Hojiblanca or Picual, harvested at their optimal point of ripeness.
- Aroma. If an oil is premium, it’s also a treat for the nose. Its aroma is fresh and fruity, with notes reminiscent of fresh olives, freshly cut grass or even almonds. Don’t forget it!
- Flavour. Of course, once you taste it, it won’t be hard to recognise a premium seal: this type of oil has an incomparable flavour that also makes it a true gourmet olive oil. It is balanced, with that characteristic bitter and peppery sensation in the throat we call pungency.
- Colour. Although it can vary depending on the olives used, a premium olive oil generally has an intense colour, somewhere between green and golden.
- Packaging. The packaging is a clear indicator of the quality of the liquid gold inside. Premium oils usually come in dark glass bottles to protect them from light, which can alter their properties.
- Price. Naturally, a top-quality oil will always be a little more expensive. Don’t trust “too good to be true” bargains!
- Producer transparency. Last but not least, recognising a premium olive oil will be easier if you pay attention to the producer. If they provide detailed information about the olives, the mill, the growing conditions… in short, if they’re transparent, their liquid gold is probably worth it. It never fails!
The success of premium olive oil in the Mediterranean diet
We began this post by telling you that, in recent years, more and more people are choosing premium olive oil. It has clearly become a favourite option for shoppers who are looking for superior quality in their food products.
But what’s behind this boom? It’s part of a broader consumer trend that goes far beyond simple taste. We now prioritise health, flavour, sustainability and gastronomic experience when we shop. We’ve learned to recognise what’s truly good!
In the specific case of premium EVOO, one of the main reasons behind its success is that we have finally recognised the enormous health benefits of olive oil.
Ultimately, it is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (healthy fats), known for their cardioprotective properties. It also contains natural antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. On top of that, it is rich in vitamin E, which helps protect our cells.
This explains why our beloved premium olive oil is associated not only with culinary enjoyment, but also with a balanced, healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet.
If, in addition to improving our health, this type of EVOO offers a unique sensory experience… even better! How could we not go for premium olive oil?
Where to buy a high-quality premium EVOO
Now that you clearly understand what premium olive oil is and why it’s worth choosing, the million-dollar question is… where can you buy it?
You shouldn’t forget that this product has a direct connection with the land and local traditions. That’s why there’s one point you should value above all when making your choice: transparency regarding its origin and production process.
A premium EVOO is usually produced in small, family-run mills like ours in Belchite, because that’s the only way to grow and harvest the olives with the utmost care.
BelOleum premium olive oil comes in three different varieties, yet they all stand for the same thing: authenticity and artisanal quality at the highest standards. Our liquid gold is a gift for all five senses – but to truly recognise it, you first have to taste it!
Don’t wait any longer and buy your premium olive oil from BelOleum – it’s a decision you’ll never regret!
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