Commercial grades The grades of oil extracted from the olive fruit can be classified as: Virgin means the oil was produced by the use of physical means and no chemical treatment. The term virgin oil referring to production is different from Virgin Oil on a retail label (see next section). Refined means that [...]
Many California producers have optioned to make the gourmet treat classified as EXTRA VIRGIN and market thru gourmet food stores, wineries, and farmers markets. It is common that these oils are produced on smaller estate orchards, hand picked to not bruise the fruit, processed within 48 hours, cold pressed and either filtered or left [...]
Olive oil is produced by grinding olives and extracting the oil by mechanical or chemical means. Green olives produce bitter oil, and overripe olives produce rancid oil, so for good extra virgin olive oil care is taken to make sure the olives are perfectly ripened. First the olives are ground into paste [...]
Numerous studies show olive oil reduces cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, inhibits platelet aggregation, and lowers incidence of breast cancer. Because it is so rich in anitioxidants, olive oil appears to dramatically reduce oxidation of LDL cholesteral, thereby preventing heart disease. Evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that a higher proportion of monounsaturated fats in [...]
Olive oil also has religious symbolism for healing and strength and to consecration—God's setting a person or place apart for special work. This may be related to its ancient use as a medicinal agent and for cleansing athletes by slathering them in oil then scraping them. Judaism In Jewish observance, olive oil is the [...]
California History Califonia's climate and soil conditions have supported the olive industry since the 1800's. Early trees were planted for eating varieties but competition from low cost imports forced many orchards to be abandoned. Now, with the noted healthful advantages of olive oil, and the equisite taste of Californial grown olives are ranked by international [...]
