Imported Italian Olive Oil: Why You Should Use It In Your Dishes

Olive oil is commonly produced in four major regions: Italy, Greece, Spain, and California. When you consider which oil is suitable for your recipes, nothing can beat the quality of genuine Italian imported olive oil for creating authentic dishes.

Authentic Italian olive oils are made from olives grown and pressed in Italy, while many others are made from olives from different regions but may be bottled elsehwere. If you want an authentic taste for cooking and dipping, genuine Italian olive oils should be your first choice.

Here’s everything you need to know about imported Italian olive oil, and why you should use it in your dishes.

Unique Features of Italian Olive Oils

When it comes to cooking, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Olive oil can be a great addition to any dish, but Italian olive oil is in a class by itself. If you’re looking for some of the world’s best olive oil, make sure that you’re choosing one from Italy to enjoy the following features:

Beautiful Dark Green Color

With olive oil, one of the first things to notice is color. A beautiful green hue is always a good sign of high-quality Italian extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil produced in other regions often has a golden color that looks quite different from ones made in Italy.

This difference is immediately noticeable when browsing options. For example, the New Harvest Olio Fresco features a rich and distinct green color that is a hallmark of true Italian olive oil.

Higher Cycloartenol Levels

One of Italian olive oil's most distinguishing features is its higher cycloartenol levels. Compared to Spanish varieties, Italian virgin olive oil has more cycloartenol. This is an essential ingredient for helping to lower cholesterol levels and acidity in the body, making this variety of olive oil a perfect pair for any dishes with high acidity levels, such as ones made with tomato sauces or lemon juice.

Richer Flavor

While you might find a plethora of olive oils from different regions, Italian olive oil is bound to be better in quality and flavor. Italian olive oils can have a rich, herbal aroma, pairing perfectly with many savory Italian dishes. On the other hand, Spanish oils are often sweeter and may obscure the flavor of meats, cheeses, and sauces.

How to Tell Your Imported Italian Olive Oil is Authentic

There are many reasons to explore olive oil imports from Italy. For one thing, the country has a centuries-long tradition of producing the product, and it is famous for its high-quality oils. Italian export companies provide a convenient way to bring these products into your own market.

However, you need to be sure that you are buying a genuine product. There are several ways to tell if imported olive oil is authentic:

Buy Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

The best way to know you’re getting the real thing is to buy extra-virgin olive oil and be willing to pay extra for it. Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest-quality olive oil on the market and requires extensive testing to receive this distinction. If the label does not state the type of olive oil, it’s probably not real extra-virgin olive oil.

Another way to ensure that you are receiving genuine extra virgin olive oil from Italy is to purchase it through an Italian food specialist retailer. We are able to guarantee the authenticity of our Italian oils, such as the Altrosero Gentile di Chieti Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Look at the Label

Many authentic olive oils will contain additional information about the product that you will not find on on other varieties. This could include facts like the production date, where it was made, and the free fatty acidity level (FFA) rating.

Look for Authentication

High-quality extra-virgin olive oils often receive third-party certifications from global or national consumer goods authorities. These labels ensure that you are buying a good that meets a high set of standards for quality.

Purchase the Finest Imported Italian Olive Oils Today

If you love the authentic flavor of Italian foods, your best option is to use extra virgin Italian olive oil. Not only does it enhance the flavors of your food, but it can also contribute to healthier meals.

You don’t have to visit Italy to get the good stuff. But depending on where you live, it might take some effort to find authentic extra-virgin olive oil. Italian olive oil manufacturers are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, and the results show in their exceptionally high-quality products.

Marcelli Formaggi is proud to offer a high-quality inventory of olive oil. Browse our selections of olives oils for every occasion, from cooking to everyday use.