Have you ever gone to the grocery store to buy olive oil and not known if you should purchase extra virgin or regular olive oil? We’ve definitely been there are we’re here to tell you which one is right for your cooking needs.
What’s the Difference?
The difference isn’t just in the taste of the oils, it has to do with the way the oil reacts to the heat. Olive oil is lighter in color and it’s cheaper than extra virgin olive oil. The oil is a blend of cold-pressed olive oil and the natural impurities have been removed chemically or through heat. It’s also more neutral in flavor and it can handle higher temperatures than extra-virgin olive oil.
Extra virgin olive oil hasn’t been exposed to chemical or heat treatment, which makes it a higher quality oil that has more flavor, with a darker color. Only the best olives are used for extra virgin olive oil. The oil also has a lower smoke point because it hasn’t been refined, which makes it easier to burn.
Which Should You Buy?
If you’re planning on using the oil for cooking, you should get regular olive oil and if you want it for dressing or dip, extra-virgin is your best bet. If you prefer the taste of extra-virgin olive oil it’s perfectly fine to use it for cooking, just be careful to keep an eye on your food to prevent it from burning.
