What is the difference between virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?

Virgin Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil are two main products of the Mediterranean diet that are highly healthy and of exceptional quality. We could say that they are the pinnacle of oils. 

They both have highly beneficial properties and are delicious, but what are the differences between Virgin Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil? 

Most consumers are unaware of them and do not know how to tell them apart. That is why Olivarte tells you the difference between Virgin Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 

Main differences between Virgin Olive Oil and AOVE (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
The first thing you should know is that both Virgin Olive Oil and EVOO are made up of 100% pure olive juice, which is extracted using a mechanical process that maintains the full purity of the olive, as no additives or preservatives are added that could affect its colour, flavour or purity. 

Therefore, both are pure oils of great quality, but the quality of the Extra Virgin is slightly superior to that of the Virgin, and we are going to see why. 

For an oil to be considered Extra Virgin, it cannot have an acidity level higher than 0.8º, whereas the acidity of the Virgin can be up to 2º, which is the main difference between the two. 

On the other hand, AOEVE is a type of oil that organoleptically has no defects, which gives it unique sensory characteristics and a high content of oleic acid, one of the most important essential fatty acids for health. 

On the other hand, in spite of being a high quality oil, the Virgin does not reach the excellence of the Extra, and therefore, it does not meet the requirements for an olive oil to be considered Extra Virgin, which is the highest classification within the types of oils. 

How to differentiate a Virgin Olive Oil from an Extra Virgin?

If you are not an oil expert, it can be difficult to tell them apart at first glance. For this reason, we give you the keys to differentiate between a Virgin Olive Oil and an Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a tasting:

Colour: 
Both of a great intensity, the colour of the EVOO is slightly more intense than that of the Virgin, characterised by a greenish hue that is synonymous with purity. 

Flavour: 
Likewise, the flavour is also different, and the Extra Virgin is characterised by having a medium spiciness, which will manifest itself at the beginning of the throat, and a perfectly balanced bitterness that will be appreciated at the end of the tongue. 

Aroma: 
As with the smell, EVOO has a more intense aroma than Virgin, very similar to that given off by olive juice. The greater the intensity, the greater the purity of the oil.

In any case, if you can't tell the difference, look at the label on the product, as Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a label that certifies that it is an olive oil of a higher category than Virgin, obtained directly from olives, only by mechanical processes. 

At Olivarte we offer you a select collection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Jaén, which are considered to be the best oils in the world and are the most demanded. We have a wide catalogue of different varieties of the best brands on the market, so you can choose the one you like the most in just one click, receiving it at your home in 24-48 hours. What are you waiting for?