Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Olijfoliemarkt.nl

1. What makes extra virgin olive oil so special?

Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality class of olive oil. It is obtained by cold pressing fresh olives without the use of chemicals or heating. To be classified as extra virgin, the oil must meet strict taste and chemical criteria, including an acidity of maximum 0.8%. At oliveoilmarket.co.uk we offer only premium extra virgin olive oils with an acidity that is often much lower, resulting in a purer and more flavorful product with more health benefits.

2. Why do olive oil prices vary so much?

The price of olive oil is determined by several factors, including:

• The time of harvest (early harvest is more labor intensive but yields more polyphenols)
• The production method (hand-picking and careful processing increase costs)
• The olive variety (some varieties have a lower yield but superior taste)
• The origin and the terroir (soil conditions and climate influence the quality)
• Organic certification (requires extra efforts from the producer)

At oliveoilmarket.co.uk we select olive oils based on quality and health benefits, not price. Our collection represents the best value for money in every price range.

3. What is the best way to store my olive oil?

Olive oil must be protected from its three greatest enemies: light, air and heat. Store your olive oil:

• In a dark bottle or in a dark place
• Well sealed to minimize exposure to oxygen
• At room temperature (16-20°C is ideal), not in the refrigerator or next to the stove
• Within 3-6 months after opening (depending on quality)

Premium olive oils such as those in our range generally have a longer shelf life after opening due to their higher content of natural preservatives (polyphenols).

4. What does 'high polyphenol level' mean and why is it important?

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that occur naturally in olive oil. They offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular protection, and protection against oxidative stress. Olive oil high in polyphenols:

• Has a more intense, often spicier taste
• Provides more health benefits
• Has a longer shelf life
• Usually comes from early harvested olives

All olive oils in our range at oliveoilmarket.nl have been specially selected for their high polyphenol content, which makes them excellent in both taste and health benefits.

5. Is organic olive oil always better?

Organic olive oil is produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. This means that:

• There are no residues of agricultural chemicals in the oil
• The biodiversity around the olive groves is better preserved
• More attention is often paid to sustainable production methods

At oliebol.nl we offer both organic and conventionally produced premium olive oils. We select all olive oils on strict quality criteria, with taste and polyphenol content being paramount. Some conventionally produced olive oils in our range come from producers who use near-organic methods but do not have the certification.

6. Which olive oil do I use best for which purpose?

Different olive oils have different optimal uses:

• Intense, spicy olive oils (such as Oro Bailen Picual): Ideal for raw applications such as salads, bruschetta and dips, or for drizzling over soups and dishes after preparation.
• Milder, fruity olive oils (such as Galantino L'Affiorato): Perfect for delicate dishes like fish, for medium-temperature frying, and for sweet applications like cakes or ice cream.
• Aromatic, spicy olive oils (such as Nobleza del Sur Eco-Night): Excellent for Mediterranean dishes, grilled vegetables, and as a bread dip.

All olive oils in our range are of such quality that they can be used for all culinary purposes. For optimum health benefits, we recommend heating the oil as little as possible.

7. How can I recognize good olive oil?

Characteristics of high-quality olive oil are:

• Taste : A good balance between fruitiness, bitterness and spiciness (all three are positive characteristics).
• Aroma : Fresh, vegetal aromas such as freshly cut grass, green apple, tomato, artichoke or herbs.
• Packaging : Dark glass bottles or tins to protect the oil from light.
• Harvest Date : A recent harvest date (olive oil, unlike wine, is best when fresh).
• Designation of Origin : Often (but not always) a sign of quality and authenticity.

At oliebol.nl our experts blindly test and select all olive oils, so that only the very best products are included in our range.

8. Can I bake and fry at high temperatures with olive oil?

Yes, extra virgin olive oil is stable up to about 210°C, which is more than sufficient for most cooking techniques including baking and roasting. The common misconception that you can't bake with extra virgin olive oil is due to outdated information.

The premium olive oils in the assortment of oliveoilmarket.nl are, thanks to their high polyphenol content, even more stable when heated than regular extra virgin olive oil. These polyphenols act as natural protectors against oxidation during heating.

However, for optimal health benefits, we recommend reserving your most premium olive oils for cold applications, where you can fully enjoy the complex flavors and maximum health benefits.

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Do you have any other questions about our products or olive oil in general? Feel free to contact us at info@olijfoliemarkt.nl or visit our store. Our olive oil experts are ready to answer all your questions and help you make the perfect choice for your culinary needs.