Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Derived from the olives of sun-kissed groves throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, extra virgin olive oil is the most highly prized of all oils. Its designation denotes a premium grade (with a maximum acidity of 1%) extracted from the first cold-pressed yield of the olive harvest. With subtle differences in flavor and color according to the producer and particular harvest, all extra virgin olive oils have key characteristics in common: they are appealingly aromatic, fruity and intensely flavored. Extra virgin olive oil is the perfect choice for any recipe in which oil shines as a main ingredient. Olive oils lend richness to every dish they touch, yet carry zero cholesterol. A nutritional powerhouse, olive oil is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and an excellent source of vitamins A, D, K and antioxidant E.