The beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on human health and, in particular, on the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular diseases, have been attributed mainly to its high content of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Although its main fatty acid, oleic acid, is considered important for these effects, EVOO has other biological properties that depend on or are enhanced by other minor components of this oil. Initially, the mechanisms considered as possible The causes of this cardioprotective effect of EVOO were based on the incidence on the so-called traditional risk factorssuch as cholesterol and blood pressure.
The OCU has decided to analyze the EVOO from supermarkets
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most consumed foods in Spain and, of course, it is not lacking in any of the homes of our country. As we have mentioned before, it has a large number of benefits, but to take advantage of the oil, It has to be EXTRA VIRGIN.
The OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users) has decided to carry out an analysis of 39 EVOO from various supermarkets which, without being gourmet, are of high quality. Despite this, it has been seen that two of the 39 advertised as extra virgin, they do not reach the quality levels to be advertised as such.
This is the sixth analysis carried out by the OCU since the year 2000. The truth is that in the year 2018 there was quite a stir, since of 41 EVOOs that they analyzed, only 21 could be called EVOO, the other 20 were virgin.
Difference between virgin and extra virgin
When it comes to obtaining this liquid gold, there is no difference between one and the other. Namely, both are obtained from physical procedures applied to olives (pressing, washing, decantation, centrifugation and filtration), no refining. The resulting oil can be classified as:
- Extra virgin olive oil: It can be called EVOO when the acidity is a maximum of 0.8 degreesat the same time that in the organoleptic analysis a certain fruitiness is determined and no defect is observed.
- Virgin olive oil: It is called AOV when it has a higher degree of acidity, up to 2 degreesand in the organoleptic analysis some minimal defect in smell or taste is allowed.
What oils were analyzed
The oils analyzed by the OCU were purchased in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Big brands were bought such as Maeva, Ybarra, Carbonell, Maestros de Hojiblanca, La Masía, among others, and also brands of the establishment where they are sold, such as Auchan, Hacendado, Consum, etc.
Of the 39 oils that were analyzed, the two that cannot be defined as EVOO are Borges and Olivar de Segura, who are simply virgin.
“The determination of the extra qualification is obtained in an organoleptic analysis carried out by specialized tasters in accredited laboratories and following the procedure established by a European regulation. Only oils that are determined in the tasting to have a certain fruitiness and do not present any defect in flavor can be classified as extra virgin.
Which were the best EVOO
Of the 39 oils analysed, the best were Oleoestepa with the Estepa Denomination of Origin, with a rating of 89 out of 100 in its presentation at 1 liter PET bottle, with a reference price it is 4.99 euros/litre. Its version in a glass bottle is also of high quality, although lower, with a rating of 85 out of 100.
The second best rated is the Auchan, of sale in Alcampo, in b750 ml glass bottle with a rating of 86 out of 100. A liter costs 4.89 euros.
The third best has been the previously mentioned Oleoestepa Extra Virgin Olive Oil Selection Dop Estepa with a score of 85 out of 100
The room has been Consum Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a score of 85 out of 100.
The fifth has been Maeva Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a score of 84 out of 100.
The sixth has been Mueloliva Bio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a score of 83 out of 100.
The seventh has been Ybarra Great Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a score of 83 out of 100.
The eighth has been Hacendado (Mercadona) Extra Virgin Olive Oil Glass with a score of 83 out of 100.
The ninth has been Carrefour Bio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a score of 82 out of 100.
The tenth has been Mar De Olivos Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a score of 81 out of 100.
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Pictures | Oleoestepa, Soysuper, consum, Aceitesmaeva, Mueloliva, Ybarra, Elespanol, Carrefour, La Mancha flavors