Extra virgin is the top-quality grade; it is considered olive juice. To produce it, it must be extracted in a completely immaculate mill, and the smell and taste must be impeccable or have zero defects, using olives that are perfect in their ripening and harvesting so that there are no residues that could deteriorate it over time.

If the oil is found to have even a barely perceptible aroma or flavor that falls into the category of defects (musty, fusty, rancid, humidity...), it is marketed under the virgin label.

Its extraction is done from riper olives.

If the olives are no longer in very good condition, lampante oil is extracted, and it cannot be consumed until it has been refined—that is, mixed with a greater or lesser amount of virgin oil to give it flavor.

Here is the reason to use extra virgin olive oil: its perfection. To be consumed raw, of course, as that is when its flavor is most prominent. Picual extra virgin olive oil has a balanced pungency and bitterness, which means that both the pungency and bitterness disappear quickly from the palate, leaving behind an elegant and exquisite taste.

It is also the best for frying as it has a very high "smoke point," which allows it to be heated significantly, more than other oils, without deteriorating, and it can be used more than once.

Everything you need to know about Olive Oil.

What is olive oil used for?

There is always room in your recipes throughout the day for extra virgin olive oil. A place for it and many advantages.

The main use of olive oil is related to food. Its versatility allows this product to be used at different times and in different types of cooking: salad dressings, ingredient for

sauces, frying, preserves, desserts... All with significant health benefits.

Its versatility is immense, adapting perfectly to your different recipes.

Other uses outside the kitchen

It serves to improve intestinal transit and combat constipation: As a fat, it can lubricate our digestive tract, therefore, consuming a few spoonfuls on an empty stomach can help with bowel movements...

Natural anti-inflammatory: We know that EVOO contains some natural anti-inflammatories like Oleocanthal; therefore, it is a magnificent and natural anti-inflammatory for massages on sore and swollen joints... Eating it also allows us to be healthier and avoids internal inflammation, but only if it is a quality EVOO with a high polyphenol content.

Helps with the ears: It is traditionally used for clogged ears or even against ear infections or otitis. Inserting a few drops into the affected ear and covering it with a small cotton ball allows the oil to penetrate inside and help remove wax plugs and disinfect in case of water that may have remained inside after swimming (that has surely happened to you before, right?)

Bones: Just like with inflammation, olive oil helps (though it does not cure) bone pain and osteoarthritis. Grandmothers used to macerate dried chamomile with EVOO for days and used that ointment as relief for these ailments, very common in people who had worked very hard for many years in the fields, and it undoubtedly produces some relief as a palliative for this condition.

Toning muscles: EVOO serves to tone and relax muscles. In ancient Greece and Rome, athletes would rub themselves with olive oil in massages before competitions. Sometimes the ointment contained chamomile, garlic, jasmine, and other aromatics macerated for a long time for later relaxing and cosmetic use.

Natural hair conditioner: Since hair often became very dry in ancient times after washing with soda soap, rubbing olive oil into the hair and then rinsing it served as a conditioner before washing to prevent the hair from becoming too dry. Grandmothers had soft and silky hair using this technique.

Soap: It is known by everyone that soap can be made with olive oil, and that it has magnificent properties and quality. Saponification always requires a fat and a product with a high pH to achieve the most common product in daily hygiene.

Religious use: In almost all cultures and religions, both classical and modern, olive oil has always had a connection to rites and an assumed divinity for being a magnificent product, a gift from the gods. Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Jews, Catholics, Orthodox Christians... all used and use olive oil to anoint, prepare rites, light candelabras, scent temples with its maceration together with aromatics and essential oils... A long list of religious uses.