Olives are a lot like wine grapes in the sense that soil, climate, and the production process all define how exceptional the finished product will be. The starting point is great olive trees, where the Mediterranean Basin has always been considered the epicenter of the worlds best olive trees, although there are now many areas of the world growing excellent trees, including Texas. From the tree we go to the quality of olive itself. In order for the oil to achieve greatness, the olives must be picked at the right time to ensure the perfect ripeness. Once the perfect olives have been harvested, it is essential to press the olives and convert them to oil as quickly as possible. The longer olives are exposed to oxygen, the faster that oil will degrade. The finest oils are harvested and put in storage tanks within a few hours. The advantage of all this is a high quality oil with tremendous freshness, super fruity flavors and aromas that are very unique to only the best oils.

In addition to tasting great, evidence suggests that high quality extra virgin olive oil offers some powerful health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and arthritis. Olive oil that is truly extra virgin is high in phenolic antioxidants and contains oleic acid and oleocanthal, nutrients that can fight inflammation.

Are your best Extra Virgin Olive Oils more expensive? You bet they are. Making great olive oil, like fine wine, is pricey but if you have not had the pleasure of trying truly great olive oil, you are missing out on one of the finest food products in the world.

“There is a lot of fraud going on in the olive oil market and it is essential to buy from a reputable seller. Even oil that is labeled as “extra virgin” may have been adulterated with cheaper oils.
Kris Gunnars, Authority Nutrition

“There are two types of olive oil people; those that already know how great the higher quality oils are, and those that need to find out.”
– Mark Russo, owner Oliva Imports