Cuisine

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The consumption of extra virgin olive oil is growing considerably. The EU absorbs 63% of all production within the European Union, however the need for information regarding this high quality product is continually increasing. For this reason, ‘Extra virgin olive oil: flavor your life’ is the slogan of the project promoted by Unaprol and co-financed by the European Union and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry as implemented by Belgium Denmark, Holland and Italy.

In the evolution that Mediterranean gastronomy, being able to combine and enhance the flavors and health benefits of a few simple ingredients, almost all of plant origin, olive oil has a unique role, which is often overlooked.

The use of olive oil in the ‘Mediterranean diet’ is important in the culinary traditions of the South of Italy. According to the American researcher, Ancel Keys, it is essential to use it in the preparation of any dish. About 50 years ago, this retired nutritionist discovered that the health secret of our population was linked to the exclusive consumption of extra virgin olive oil, cereals, legumes, fruit & vegetables, fish and little meat, but no animal fats. In recent years, the ‘Mediterranean diet’ and the consumption of olive oil has spread around the world because of its beneficial effects on health. Extra virgin olive oil is also popular because it actively contributes to giving dishes taste and flavor. When olive oil is substituted with a different oil, the dish loses its aromas and its magic. Today we know that the oil contains hundreds of different natural fragrances, and more than 50 substances that have positive attributes health wise. They include antioxidants, anti-cancer, hypotensive, natural, beneficial fatty acids for our arteries, protection factors of our organs and vitamins made ​​by other foods.

Undoubtedly, extra virgin olive oil is the best existing oil- natural, pure, full of flavor and odor.