Know the differences between the types of olive oil

While there are many types of olive oil, the three main types are: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Classic Olive Oil and Mild & Light Olive Oil.

Extra virgin olive oil is the most natural and highest quality olive oil. It is produced by squeezing the olives extracted from the olive trees with physical or mechanical means, and therefore keeps its flavor almost intact, reminiscent of the olive itself. It has a characteristic color and flavor, which gives the oil a lot of personality and a fruity and intense finish. It is recommended to use it raw to season dishes and salads, although it can also be used in pastry recipes to give it a different touch.

Classic olive oil is a milder variety, made up of a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and refined olive oil. Refined oil is simply oil that has gone through a series of chemical processes to remove certain undesirable characteristics and make it fully fit for consumption. The classic olive oil withstands higher temperatures, which makes it more suitable for frying and cooking, and its mild flavor makes it very versatile in everyday cooking.

The Mild & Light olive oil is also composed of a mixture of extra virgin and refined oil, in different proportions than the classic oil. It is a very mild and delicate oil which allows the flavors of other foods to come through. Its lighter flavor makes it ideal for desserts and baking. It can also be heated to higher temperatures thus is perfect for wok cooking, shallow and deep frying.

There are other varieties of oils, which are also Extra Virgin olive oils, but they have some particularities, for example:

Organic extra virgin olive oil: It is a high quality, fruity and flavored oil made from 100% Spanish olives, produced entirely in line with the strict EU organic farming regulations. No artificial chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers are used. Possesses the same properties and benefits of a conventional extra virgin olive oil but following the standards of organic production.
Gourmet extra virgin olive oil: A high quality extra virgin olive oil extracted from specially selected Hojiblanca olives grown in our own olive groves. This monovarietal olive oil tastes of ripe fruit, avocado and almonds… And is pleasing to the palate. It is delicious served cold (uncooked) so the full flavor of the hojiblanca olive can be enjoyed, for example in salads and over tomatoes.
Flavored oils: Made using 100% Spanish extra virgin olive oil and flavored with extracts of garlic, chili, truffle and many others. It is recommended to use these to finish off a dish, adding a few drops to intensify the flavor of the condiment.