Over 150 extra virgin olive oil later..

.. I’ll Switch to Butter (Just Kidding!)

I am on my way back to Leeds after having tasted, over the course of the last 3 days, more than 150 different Italian extra virgin olive oils. From dawn to dusk, glass after glass, from Liguria to Sicily, I managed to taste an average of 50 oils per day. It is not as fun as tasting wine, but I do love it and did not mind doing it.

Now, as I make my way back to Leeds, I can’t help but joke that I’ll be switching to butter for the next couple of months—though, of course, that’s not really going to happen! My trip to the Olio Capitale fair in Trieste, one of Italy’s most renowned olive oil exhibitions, has been an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of this golden liquid.

As you know, at Italyabroad.com we love extra virgin olive oil and in our quest for the best Italian oils, I regularly attend fairs. And tasting olive oil, unlike tasting wine, where you spit, requires you to drink the olive oil in order to fully appreciate its complexity and flavor profile. Yes, you read that right—I drink, not spit!

The positive of tasting so many high quality extra virgin olive oils is the incredible boost of vitamins and polyphenols my body receives. After consuming so many oils, I like to think I’ve stocked up on enough goodness to feel like Superman for the entire year!

The last harvest has been challenging across almost all of Italy, with only a few exceptions. Farmers have faced extreme and unpredictable weather conditions that have significantly impacted production. In the south, particularly in regions like Sicily and Apulia, prolonged drought and a severe lack of rain have made it difficult for olive trees to thrive. Meanwhile, central regions such as Latium and Abruzzo experienced the opposite problem, too much rainfall.

As a result, this year’s overall olive oil production has been lower than expected, continuing the trend of difficult harvests in recent years. Despite all challenges, I tasted some truly exceptional extra virgin olive oils, proof that Italy’s dedicated producers continue to persevere and craft outstanding products even in the toughest of conditions.

We will soon be adding some of these incredible oils to our collection. Oils from regions we’ve never featured before, new frantoi (olive mills) with passionate producers behind them, unique olive varieties with distinctive flavours. Discovering the finest Italian olive oils is a journey, not a destination.

Much has already been said and written about extra virgin olive oil, particularly its remarkable health benefits. Numerous scientific studies and medical research have highlighted its powerful properties, making it a true superfood. Among its many advantages, extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and slow down the aging process. It also possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the body from chronic diseases linked to inflammation, such as arthritis and metabolic disorders.

Furthermore, regular consumption of high-quality extra virgin olive oil has been shown to support heart health by lowering levels of LDL (or "bad") cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing HDL (the “good” cholesterol). It helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension, and contributes to overall cardiovascular well-being. Given the growing global focus on longevity and healthy aging, extra virgin olive oil stands out as a natural ally, it may even play a role in extending life expectancy when consumed as part of a balanced diet, as seen in Mediterranean populations.

These are just a few of the many incredible benefits that extra virgin olive oil provides. More than just an ingredient, it is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle. In many ways, olive oil is like our engine oil, an essential fuel that keeps us running smoothly, energized, and strong. Yet, while we meticulously research and compare options when selecting the best engine oil for our cars, we often make our olive oil choices based primarily on price. Shouldn't we give the same careful consideration to what fuels our bodies as we do to what fuels our vehicles? After all, if a car breaks down, it can be repaired or even replaced. But when it comes to our health, there are no spare parts—once we break down, recovery, if possible, is far more difficult. Investing in the right fuel for our bodies today means ensuring a healthier, stronger future and happier life.

Olive oil is not just a natural medicine; many people start their day with a spoonful in the morning, and I personally add it to my smoothie for a boost of vitamins and polyphenols. However, it's also an underrated ingredient that often goes unappreciated. From home cooks to professional chefs, few recognize the full importance of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil has the power to elevate or ruin a dish, no matter how many hours you've spent preparing and cooking it. For too many, it's simply seen as a green or yellow liquid, but there's much more to it.

Professionals categorize extra virgin olive oils into three main categories based on their flavor profiles: lightly fruity, medium fruity, and intensely fruity. However, the reality is that there are many oils that fall between these categories, each offering its own unique nuance and character. Olive oil is much like wine. Different olive varieties produce oils with distinct characteristics, each suited to complementing a range of dishes.

What often gets overlooked is the vast difference in quality among olive oils. There are many subpar oils on the market, oils that are bland, lack depth, and fail to bring any significant flavor and don’t have any health benefits. The importance of choosing a high-quality extra virgin olive oil cannot be overstated.

We’re slowly beginning to see more appreciation for the true value of extra virgin olive oil. As people become more educated about its diversity and health benefits, we're moving beyond old misconceptions and recognizing that olive oil is not just a necessity, but a true treasure. It deserves attention not only for its ability to make or break a dish, but also for its impressive health benefits, it is a natural superfood.