EVOO
Since Dr. Marc posted his EVOO blog (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), I thought I post some interesting and cautionary notes about EVOO.
While EVOO is a heart healthy cooking oil, do keep in mind that each tablespoon measures 120 calories. One cup is equivalent to 16 tablespoons or 1920 calories, so use it sparingly.
Now for a caviar emptor:
Not all EVOO sold in the supermarket is 100% EVOO. Smoking points will vary among the different brands, and the higher the smoking point, the more “synthetics” are added to compensate for a higher smoking point. EVOO specs are privy to the drum buyer, not to the consumer.
“Extra-virgin oil requires a strict harvest and processing regimen that yields certain flavor qualities recognizable to expert tasters. Many of the major label extra-virgin brands don’t make the cut, they say.”
http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/190224.html
How Olive Oil is Made
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyQO0a1nisE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fdrygoodsnotes%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F
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Thank you for this cautionary note and more info on olive oil.
Good to know,
Tatiana
The article also points out that US consumers seem to prefer their EVOO “rancid and moldy”.
“While those with refined palates say many of the big-selling brands taste moldy or rancid, U.S. consumers seem to like them.”
You know, I have long wondered why all the EVOO I could find tasted just like skanky vegetable oil and now I know. Thanks for the note! Does anybody have a decently available brand they really like? I live in the wilds of rural Alabama and if I can’t get it at Wal-Mart, I just about have to order it!!:)
Most likely you will need to order it. I don’t know your budget, and I don’t want to spook you but a good quality olive oil will be in the range of $16 for 16.9 oz. The best ones are the ones labeled, “estate grown and processed”. Despite what the article says about California olive oil, I still will buy California olive oil. You can get California olive oil as little as $10 per bottle. Hope this helps.