Olive tree cuttings were brought to America in the late eighteen hundreds by Spanish Missionaries. The conditions they found in the western regions were perfect for growing the trees and developing orchards to produce the same excellent oil products found in Spain and Italy. Over time California extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) have become some of the highest quality products available in world markets.
Before any company can label its product as EVOO they must meet specific conditions set forth by the Calif. Olive Oil Certification (COOC) Board. These standards include regulations that dictate first squeeze oil from a fresh harvest of fruit and a total absence of chemicals and refining processes. There are over fifty different species of olives in groves throughout California and each tree type brings with it different tastes and nuances.
Special panels of experts perform taste and aroma tests on the oil after it has been certified pure. These two aspects of this oil are very important when grading the quality of finished product. There are distinct differences between ripe and green fruit. Both are used to make EVOO and the ripe fruit has a much milder, smoother taste and aroma that the peppery pleasant bitterness of the green fruit.
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 also been shown to be very good for skin care. It is used in makeup and skin treatments to slow the aging process of skin and reduce wrinkling. It contains high levels of several vitamins beneficial to skin including A, D, K and E. All of these vitamins help fight off damage created by free radicals. It is far superior to products that contain parabens, colorants, sulfates, and fragrances that may actually dry or harm skin texture.
The higher the quality of the product you purchase the more benefit you will receive from its use. The EVOO that has been certified as purest has the highest concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These elements are known to help fight the damage to cells and bodily inflammation that may cause cancer and other devastating diseases. It can also assist your body to absorb calcium for bone health.
There are simple guidelines to follow when purchasing this product. Firstly, be careful to read the label. It contains very important information such as when the fruit was harvested. After eighteen months this oil can break down and become rancid. Look for the COOC stamp on the bottle. This tells you that it is the purest oil available. Purchase only dark colored bottles that protect the oil from exposure to strong lights and after opened keep it cool but not refrigerated.
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.
Before any company can label its product as EVOO they must meet specific conditions set forth by the Calif. Olive Oil Certification (COOC) Board. These standards include regulations that dictate first squeeze oil from a fresh harvest of fruit and a total absence of chemicals and refining processes. There are over fifty different species of olives in groves throughout California and each tree type brings with it different tastes and nuances.
Special panels of experts perform taste and aroma tests on the oil after it has been certified pure. These two aspects of this oil are very important when grading the quality of finished product. There are distinct differences between ripe and green fruit. Both are used to make EVOO and the ripe fruit has a much milder, smoother taste and aroma that the peppery pleasant bitterness of the green fruit.
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 also been shown to be very good for skin care. It is used in makeup and skin treatments to slow the aging process of skin and reduce wrinkling. It contains high levels of several vitamins beneficial to skin including A, D, K and E. All of these vitamins help fight off damage created by free radicals. It is far superior to products that contain parabens, colorants, sulfates, and fragrances that may actually dry or harm skin texture.
The higher the quality of the product you purchase the more benefit you will receive from its use. The EVOO that has been certified as purest has the highest concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These elements are known to help fight the damage to cells and bodily inflammation that may cause cancer and other devastating diseases. It can also assist your body to absorb calcium for bone health.
There are simple guidelines to follow when purchasing this product. Firstly, be careful to read the label. It contains very important information such as when the fruit was harvested. After eighteen months this oil can break down and become rancid. Look for the COOC stamp on the bottle. This tells you that it is the purest oil available. Purchase only dark colored bottles that protect the oil from exposure to strong lights and after opened keep it cool but not refrigerated.
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.