Top 10 Olive Oils

Olive oil is a unique gift of nature. This fragrant, filled with bright southern sun product is able to benefit in any of its quality. Oil is actively used for the preparation of delicious and nutritious dishes, used in cosmetology, alternative medicine and dietetics. Due to its composition, in which oleic acid predominates, olive juice can significantly strengthen the human body, extending its performance and youth for many years. In addition, the oil contains vital fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as phytosterols, vitamins A, D, E, K.

Of all the characteristics of "liquid gold", only one can be called a disadvantage - this is the price. Indeed, olive oil is the most expensive of vegetable oils, and this is explained not only by its high demand, but also by the laboriousness of the process of picking and processing fruits, as well as the large amount of raw materials needed for cooking.

Olive oil is not produced in Russia; therefore, exclusively foreign bottling products are sold. How to understand the variety of bottles labeled "Olive Oil", because in the supermarket you are unlikely to be allowed to taste the product. Here are some tips to help you navigate and choose the best olive oil for your table.

1. Type of processing. The highest quality is the first cold-pressed oil, extracted by mechanical processing of olives (that is, manually). On the label of this sort is indicated by the phrase Extra Virgin.
2. Packaging. The sun's rays adversely affect the quality of any fat, worsening their organoleptic characteristics. Choose olive oil packaged in an opaque glass or tin container.
3. Region of production. Despite the fact that the range of growth of olive is quite extensive, experts identify three countries in which the best olive oil is produced. These are Greece, Spain and Italy. The following positions are occupied by France, Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt.

Our review of olive oils includes the most sought-after brands, whose reputation allows us not to doubt the quality of their products. When compiling the rating, we took into account such characteristics as composition, ecological purity, taste, color, smell, texture, country of origin, and also took into account the ratio of the volume and cost of the finished product.

The best olive oil made in Spain

Spain is one of the leaders in the manufacture and export of Extra Virgin olive oil. There are about 30 regions in the country, in which this high-quality product has been produced for hundreds of years, and this happens under strict state control.The taste of the Spanish oil is as close as possible to the natural, it is the most intense and spicy, has a bright aftertaste.

4 IBERICA OLIVE POMACE OIL

The IBERICA trademark produces products, many of which have no analogues in the Russian market. A large assortment includes premium products and products of a lower budget segment, but the difference in price in no way affects the quality characteristics.

One example of a product with a democratic value is IBERICA OLIVE POMACE OIL - oil, which contains 85% refined and 15% Extra Virgin. This fresh juice is obtained after combining the second extraction of the fruit of the olive tree, during which technology is used that allows for high-temperature processing, and unrefined Extra Virgen oil. As a result of this process, the total acidity of the liquid is reduced, and the necessary vitamins and minerals are returned to the composition, but in slightly smaller quantities.

This oil is ideal for use in large volumes. For example, to fry vegetables or deep-fried cheese, which you would regret spending a more expensive product.

3 MAESTRO De OLIVA EXTRA VERGINE

Maestro de Oliva is a brand of the famous Spanish food company Olive Line International S.L. Products of this brand can be bought in almost all regions of Russia. Their range is quite wide and includes, in addition to natural vegetable fats, a large variety of Mediterranean snacks, sea delicacies, different varieties of canned olives and olives.

Olive oil Maestro De Oliva Extra Virgin unrefined for its high quality and original taste was awarded the prestigious award awarded by the International Institute of Taste and Quality (iTQi). Information about this fact is located directly on the label and confirms that the biological composition meets all international norms and standards. The raw materials for making oil are Blanqueta olives, which are grown in Valencia and Alicante. Maestro De Oliva Extra Virgin does not have a bitter aftertaste, although, like any “living” product from natural raw materials, it can change its taste characteristics within acceptable limits.

Available in glass and tin packages. The price depends on the volume and starts from 700 rubles. for 500 ml.

2 ITLV CLASICO

The ITLV brand (Industrial Technologica Laintex Veterani) was specially developed by Borges for selling olives and vegetable fats in the market of Russia, the CIS and Baltic countries. The company's goal is long-term cooperation, therefore, in order not to lose the love and respect of the Russian consumer, the quality of the products supplied by ITLV is always close to perfection.

ITLV Clasico is a blend of refined and unrefined oils. The liquid has a universal character, it can be used as an additive to ready meals, and directly for frying meat, fish or vegetables. This is a natural ecological product without artificial additives, flavors and preservatives. It has a high temperature of the point of smoke, due to which during the heat treatment an appetizing crust is formed without the risk of burning.

The combination of two types of oils has helped to reduce the natural bitterness of vegetable raw materials, so ITLV Clasico is ideal for people who do not like the tartness of natural olive.

1 BORGES EXTRA VIRGIN

Borges products occupy about 60% of the Russian olive oil market. Established in 1914, the company has successfully developed all these years, and is currently one of the world leaders in the manufacture of natural foods.

BORGES EXTRA VIRGIN is an unrefined grade obtained by mechanical first pressing. During its production, the raw materials were not exposed to high temperatures, which made it possible to preserve as much as possible all the benefits and freshness of olives. The taste of the product may vary according to the variety of fruits and weather conditions of the region where it was harvested and pressed. Most often it ranges from neutral to bitter.

BORGES EXTRA VIRGIN is ideal for salad dressing and ready meals. Packed in glass bottles of 250, 500, 750 ml, 1 liter cans, and 1.3 l plastic containers.

The best olive oil made in Italy

Producers of Italian olive oil are sure that their products are the reference, and significantly differ from the products of other countries with their high quality and rich flavor bouquet. The reason for such approval can serve not only the experience of local craftsmen, but also a huge variety of olive trees grown in the country, which allows each province to have its own, unique taste of olive oil.

3 BIONATURAE ORGANIC EXTRA VERGINE OLIVE OIL

A distinctive feature of ORGANIC EXTRA VERGINE OLIVE OIL organic oil from BIONATURAE is its authenticity. The product is made strictly according to old recipes and technologies that are carefully passed down from generation to generation, allowing modern people to enjoy the truly natural taste of the fruits of the olive tree.

The oil contains a mixture of the juice of five different varieties of olives grown on small family farms in Italy. The berries are harvested by hand and precisely at that moment when they are fully ripe and are ready to generously share their freshness and benefits with people. The natural naturalness and the special aroma of olives ripened under the generous Mediterranean sun make this oil one of the best in the category of organic products. This is an excellent addition to any kind of dishes and an indispensable component of dietary nutrition.

The only disadvantage of ORGANIC EXTRA VERGINE OLIVE OIL can only be called its high cost. For a bottle of 750 ml you will have to put more than 3,000 rubles out of your pocket.

2 ALCE NERO EXTRA VERGINE DI OLIVA DOP

Alce Nero is a famous Italian company engaged in the manufacture of natural food. The company has a European quality certificate, which allows it to indicate the label of its EU Organic Bio on its products. Genetic engineering techniques are not used in the production of the company; it is also forbidden to use harmful chemicals in the fields of Alce Nero. fertilizers and pesticides.

Italian oil EXTRA VERGINE DI OLIVA DOP ALCE NERO is made from olives that are grown, harvested and processed in one geographic region. The lack of transportation and the minimum period of time elapsed from collection to bottling guarantee a high quality product that does not lose even a small fraction of its value.

Oil with an exciting and bitter hue of fresh herbs perfectly meets the needs of the most demanding gourmets. Liquid is supplied in 750 ml glass bottles.

1 MONINI EXTRA VIRGIN PESTO

The story of one of the flagships of the Italian food industry begins in 1920, when its founder, Zefferino Monini, returned from military service to his small town in the Umbria region. Created as a family business, today Monini is a brand with a worldwide reputation that produces about 20 product options, exporting its products to more than 50 countries.

The highlight of the company's product line can be called a special line of flavored olive oils, to which natural spices, dried vegetables, mushrooms, nuts or herbs are added for greater spice.MONINI EXTRA VIRGIN PESTO - cold pressed oil, which includes, along with the juice of high-quality varieties of olives, crushed basil sprigs and pine nuts. Additional natural ingredients give the product a unique exquisite taste, and make it possible to successfully use it for making traditional homemade pesto sauce - classics of Italian cuisine.

Like any delicacy, flavored oil is produced in small volumes. On sale you can find bottles of 250 ml at a price of 530 rubles.

The best olive oil made in Greece

Greece is the small home of olive oil. Residents of this particular country once were the first to appreciate its exceptional taste qualities and notice the ability to beneficially influence the human body as a whole. Due to the diversity of climatic conditions inherent in different areas of Greece, the structure of the product produced can vary greatly depending on the region of olive growth. The best oil from Greece has a bright rich taste with honey and fruit undertones.

3 KURTES EXTRA VIRGIN PDO

It is known that the ancient Greeks revered olive juice not only as a tasty food additive, but also attributed to it the properties to cure a lot of ailments, especially those related to the activity of the digestive system. And until today, the use of high-quality olive oil for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes is no less relevant.

A small family manufactory called KURTES is located on Crete and focuses on the production of exclusive, environmentally friendly products that can be used both in cooking and for general health improvement of the body. KURTES EXTRA VIRGIN oil is PDO certified, which means that the entire process of its manufacture was carried out strictly at the place of raw materials collection. The acidity level declared by the manufacturer is 0.2–0.3%, which is significantly lower than the recommended standard of 1% and characterizes oil as a high-class product, ideal for people with lactation problems.

Oil is supplied in glass and tin containers of 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 3000 ml. Price - from 210 rubles. for the smallest bottle.

2 GAEA GREEN & FRUITY

Greek olive oil producer GAEA are among the most "titled" in the world. The products of this brand won many awards, including such prestigious ones as the gold medal at the International Competition in Japan and Germany, the title of the most innovative product of Greece, the first prizes and the awards of many other international competitions.

GAEA GREEN & FRUITY oil is made mechanically from selected fruits of the Koroneiki variety. Trees growing in the Sitia region, where weather conditions optimal for olive growth prevail, produce fruitful oil-bearing berries. Olives are harvested and processed by hand, resulting in a thick, high-quality juice with a high concentration of beneficial compounds. The taste of the liquid is very saturated, tart, with a slight bitterness. The consistency is thick, the color is emerald green.

Oil is poured into half-liter containers of dark thick-walled glass. The original design of the bottle creates the feeling of owning a real village product.

1 MINERVA KALAMATA EXTRA VIRGIN

The company Minerva appeared on the Greek market in 1900. Within a few years, the range of products of the brand went beyond the scope of domestic trade and began to conquer the hearts and stomachs of residents of several continents.Minerva Olive Oil is the benchmark of traditional Greek cuisine, combining old-fashioned recipes with innovative technologies.

Minerva Kalamata Extra Virgin comes to our shelves from the island of Peloponnese, a district of Kalamata, which is considered one of the priority places in the world for growing the best varieties of olives. The main advantages of oil, according to buyers, are that it tastes good, does not taste bitter, and is excellent for both frying and cold dishes, side dishes, pasta and fresh vegetables. Fans of healthy food also noted the affordable cost of the product, which does not affect its high quality.

Oil is poured into tin opaque containers with a volume of 750 ml. This creates ideal conditions for storage and transport. Price - from 650 rubles. for the bank.

Comparative table of oil from olives and sunflower seeds

Olive oil is a real elixir of health and youth, but our native sunflower is in no way inferior to a foreign “guest”. We compiled a comparison table, where we indicated the most important characteristics of these two plant products.

Specifications	Olive butter	Sunflower oil
The energy value	898 kcal / 100 g	899 kcal / 100 g
Saturated fatty acid content	15 %	13 %
The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids	10 %	66 %
Oleic acid content	75 %	22 %
Vitamin E	12 mg / 100 g	40-60 mg / 100 g
Smoke point	177-204 ° C	160 ° C
Mode of application	Salads, sauces, pasta, dressing ready meals, light browning	Salads, sauces, pastries in the oven, stewing, frying, deep-frying

Who is the best producer of olive oil?
We vote!

BORGES

ITLV

MAESTRO De OLIVA

IBERICA

MONINI

ALCE NERO

BIONATURAE

MINERVA

HAEA

KURTES

Total votes: 535

Vote results