Not all oils are created equal and I have learned this through trial and error. As with many foods, companies add fillers or even combine oils to create a lesser quality product but still charge consumers a price point that makes you think it equates with quality.
Been there and done that.....and this is why I hold Filippo Berio's oils on a whole different level.
I received an Extra Virgin Olive Oil bottle from BzzAgent along with all the great campaign goodies they include. You have the booklet, which educates you about the benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how it can improve not only your dishes but your health. Great coupons and even a magnet that reflects the measurements you use when substituting Olive Oil for Butter. Great kit and I love it!
Filippo Berio's company exports their oils from Italy and has been sharing their great products since 1850. Now, that is staying in business for a long time and you know you have to be doing something right if you want people to support your products. The company makes several versions of Olive Oils from Extra Virgin, Light, and also makes vinegar (balsamics) and other products like olives and pestos. Their distribution is massive and they now reach over 65 countries! Now, that is reaching the masses!
The Health Benefits:
Extra Virgin Olive oil is better for you because it contains no trans fat or cholesterol. Butters commonly used in savory cooking contain salts and Olive oil does not. You have an oil that is high in monounsaturated fats, which is commonly known as "the good fat" that doctors want you to eat.
What is the difference between the Extra Virgin and just Olive Oil:
- Virgin means the oil was produced by the use of physical means and the oil was not treated with any chemicals. It also means the oil is produced from the "first batch" that the seed/grain produces.
- Refined means that the oil has been chemically treated to neutralize strong tastes (characterized as defects) and neutralize the acid content. Chemicals are many times used in lower quality oils as way to preserve and slow down the oxidation that occurs with age. Refined oil is regarded as lower quality product. Oils with the retail labels extra-virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil cannot contain any refined oil, as it would not be Virgin if anything else was added.
- Olive Oil Pommace or Pomace, means oil extracted from the pomace using solvents, mostly Hexane. Hexane is a carbon based chemical found in glues to gasoline. Manufactures combine the Hexane and heat to extract from the seeds the oil. Hexane has a low toxicity level, but nonetheless many industries that use the chemical in their processing, are seeking alternatives due to the adverse health effects.
What the above means is that it all comes down to purity and acidity levels. Every oil has it's purpose and this is why learning about them is something I like to do because I don't want to pay for a lower end product, much less one laced with chemicals my body does not want or need. Think about it like chocolate and cacao content.....it's the same mind set. Don't let the labels fool you and I also try to stay within the brands I can trust because many good manufactures will not distribute to the public, a lower quality product.
Now, Extra Virgin Olive oils have a lower smoke point and this means that the oil will smoke and destabilize with higher temperatures. You may have heard people say it's a waste to fry in Extra Virgin Olive oil because of it. I like to do something I call "lacing", it's making my own mixes of oils as I see fit for the dish I am preparing. I use different oils like Grape because the oil has a higher smoke point. I decided to get creative and used a mix of Grape Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil and of course Filippo Berio's brand.
- Olive Oil Braised Chicken Legs with a Roasted Garlic and Herb Stuffing
- Foccacia Bread with Parmesan Cheese
I received the above product from BzzAgent and Filippo Berio. I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours. #GotItFree
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