Derived from the fruit of the olive tree, olive oil is an angel in disguise! From producing delectable dishes, lowering the chance of death from cardiovascular diseases, preventing metabolic syndromes like blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and inflammation to treating depression and anxiety, olive oil does it all.

No wonder this versatile oil, aka elixir, has been hailed by some experts as “the gold of preventive medicine,” and it’s also the leading provider of fat in the Mediterranean diet.

Pixabay/Pexels | When it comes to buying olive oil, there are a number of queries that can come to mind

When something is packed with such never-ending benefits, it’s bound to be a little heavy on the pocket! But for your precious health, we’re sure you won’t really mind expending on it. That being said, when it comes to buying olive oil, there are a number of queries that can come to mind. Here’s a rundown of four such mind-boggling questions on olive oil.

#1 - What exactly is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

By a mechanical process in a clean mill, the finest extra virgin olive oil is extracted from fresh olives without using any solvents or heat. Being loaded with powerful antioxidants called Polyphenols, extra virgin olive oil is considered as an equivalent of the seven different types of Morocco Gold.

There’s also a chance that you might be fooled with an inferior type of olive oil. So, what are the parameters to determine you’re picking the right one?

• The oil must not be blended with other olive oils, that is, it should come from a single source
• It should be extracted only mechanically at temperature favorably below 28C
• Acidity level must be less than 0.8%
• It should be effortless with perfect aroma and taste.

RODNAE Productions/Pexels | There’s a ‘myth’ that olive oil is really bad for cooking on high heat as it produces toxic compounds

#2 - Is it totally safe to cook with olive oil?

Even though Italians swear by olive oil for their magical dishes, there’s still a good majority of people who don’t consider it to be cooking-worthy. There’s a ‘myth’ that olive oil is really bad for cooking on high heat as it produces toxic compounds.

Some believe that it contains unsaturated fats and thereby not feasible to use as a cooking oil. Keeping aside all these misconceptions, olive oil is not at all menacing. However, it is to be always kept in mind that a minimal amount of this oil is enough for cooking.

#3 - Is there an expiry date for using it? Also, how do I store it?

Considering the fact that olive oil is purely extracted, it does not come with an expiry date no matter what the type is. Its longevity depends on certain factors like transport, type of container, and adequate conservation. It is also to be noted that olive oil turns acidic really fast if exposed to heat or oxygen.

So, it’s advisable that this oil be stored in a cool, dark place, away from light and heat. The best storage container is made either of high-quality stainless steel or tinted glass. Drop all those plastic bottles right away!

Ron Lach/Pexels | Considering the fact that olive oil is purely extracted, it does not come with an expiry date no matter what the type is

Wrapping it up

Considering the fact that there are a number of floating myths and fake sellers in the market, it’s natural for an amateur to drown in perplexities when it comes to olive oil. However, we hope that this article could clear many of your confusions.