What Is The Difference Between Olive Oil and Extra Virgin?

At Nourished Communities, we’re passionate about delivering not just food, but a true taste of authenticity and wellbeing right to your doorstep. When it comes to olive oil, a beloved staple in any health-conscious kitchen, the choice between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil is more than just about cooking; it's about enriching your meals with a touch of nature's finest.

From Grove to Kitchen: Understanding the Essence

The journey of olive oil from the grove to your kitchen embodies natural processing and a dedication to quality. Extra virgin olive oil stands out as the purest form you can enjoy. It is crafted by cold-pressing fresh olives, ensuring that the oil never loses its robust flavours or health-enhancing properties. This method celebrates the olive in its most unadulterated form, bringing a richness that's as close to nature as possible.

Regular olive oil, often labelled simply as "olive oil," involves a combination of cold-pressed and processed oils. It’s tailored for more versatile culinary uses, undergoing refining that makes it suitable for high-heat cooking without overpowering your dish with the taste of olives.

Flavour First: A Symphony of Tastes

Each drop of extra virgin olive oil carries a spectrum of flavours — from the earthy notes of the olive groves to a bold zest that tingles your palate. It’s perfect for those dishes where it isn't just an ingredient but a central character, shining in salad dressings, dips, or simply as a hearty drizzle over your favourite pasta. With a variety of health benefits, extra virgin olive oil is a great addition to any meal. 

Regular olive oil is ideal for when you need a milder flavour. Its subtlety makes it perfect for baking and frying, complementing other ingredients without stealing the spotlight. 

The Healthful Benefits

We at Nourished Communities believe in feeding your body with what’s genuinely good for it. Extra virgin olive oil is not only a delight to your taste buds but also a boon for your health, brimming with antioxidants and monounsaturated fats. These are your heart’s best friends, championing your health by reducing inflammation and guarding against heart disease.

Though it’s more refined, regular olive oil still stands out, offering a healthier choice with its high content of monounsaturated fats, making it a better substitute for generic refined oils.

Versatility in Cooking

Whether drizzling or sizzling, choosing the right olive oil can elevate your cooking. Extra virgin olive oil is best savoured raw or added at the final stages of cooking, perfect for those moments when you want to feel the olive’s embrace in every bite. Meanwhile, regular olive oil is a great option for everyday cooking, adept at frying and sautéing, bringing warmth and nutrition to every meal without overshadowing the flavours.

The Sustainable Choice - Long-lasting Love

Investing in good quality means investing in your health and the environment. Extra virgin olive oil, offers a medley of flavour and nutrients, best used within its 18-24 months prime, the pinnacle of excellence. Choosing extra virgin olive oil supports sustainable farming practices and the preservation of olive groves. By opting for this premium option, you're contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the livelihoods of farmers who prioritise environmentally friendly cultivation methods.

Regular olive oil ensures that you have a trusty companion in your kitchen, supporting your day-to-day culinary ventures. 

More Than Just Oil

We understand that every drop of oil holds a story — of nature, nourishment, and the nurturing of your body and soul. Whether opting for the rich tapestry of flavours found in extra virgin olive oil or the subtle, accommodating notes of regular olive oil, each brings its own kind of nourishment and joy to your table.

Embrace the natural, embrace the wholesome with every meal. It’s not just about eating; it’s about living well.