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The term EVOO stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil , the highest quality category within olive oils.
However, there is much more to this technical definition than just a label. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) represents a method of producing oil that involves the care of the olive tree, the quality of the olives, and the way the oil is made until it reaches the bottle.
Understanding what extra virgin olive oil really is allows you to recognize a quality product, better enjoy its flavor, and take advantage of its health benefits within your daily diet.
What is EVOO and how is an extra virgin olive oil defined?
Extra virgin olive oil is the natural juice obtained directly from the olive fruit through mechanical processes, without refining or chemical treatments.
For an oil to be considered EVOO, it must meet three fundamental conditions:
- made exclusively from olives
- to be extracted solely through mechanical processes
- not to have sensory defects
Furthermore, the regulations stipulate that the maximum permitted level of acidity is 0.8% .
When the process is carried out correctly, the EVOO retains its aromas, natural antioxidants and nutritional properties intact.
You can discover an example of organic extra virgin arbequin olive oil at produced with these characteristics.
How to produce authentic EVOO
The quality of extra virgin olive oil begins long before it reaches the olive mill.
It all begins with the cultivation of the olive tree and the care of the fruit throughout the year.
The factors that determine a good EVOO are:
- health status of the olive
- harvest time
- speed in grinding
- extraction method
When the olive is harvested at its optimal point of ripeness and transformed into oil in a few hours, the result is a fresh, balanced extra virgin olive oil with great aromatic richness.
Extra virgin olive oils from limited production usually offer greater traceability and control in all these phases.
The acidity of olive oil explained simply
One of the most frequently mentioned concepts when talking about EVOO is acidity , although it is often misinterpreted.
Acidity is not related to the acidic taste of the oil .
This is a chemical parameter that measures the amount of free fatty acids present in the oil.
Low acidity indicates:
- healthy olives
- careful collection
- quick extraction
European regulations stipulate that extra virgin olive oil must have an acidity of less than 0.8% .
In high-quality oils, this value is usually much lower.
Why EVOO is different from other vegetable oils
Extra virgin olive oil has a unique composition among vegetable fats.
It is particularly notable for the presence of:
Oleic acid
a monounsaturated fat associated with cardiovascular health.
Vitamin E
a powerful natural antioxidant.
Polyphenols
antioxidant compounds responsible for many of the benefits of EVOO.
Thanks to this composition, extra virgin olive oil is the basis of the Mediterranean diet , considered one of the healthiest eating patterns in the world.
Source: WHO
https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet
What does cold extraction mean in olive oil?
Cold extraction refers to the process of obtaining oil at temperatures below 27°C .
Working at low temperatures allows:
- preserve the natural aromas of the oil
- preserve antioxidants and polyphenols
- to maintain the texture and structure of the EVOO
The result is a more expressive and balanced extra virgin olive oil.
Benefits of extra virgin olive oil
Regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil as part of a balanced diet provides scientifically proven benefits.
1 Cardiovascular health
Oleic acid helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and protects the cardiovascular system.
2 Antioxidant action
Polyphenols help protect cells against oxidative stress.
3 Anti-inflammatory effect
The bioactive compounds in EVOO participate in the regulation of inflammatory processes.
4. Better digestion
Olive oil aids digestion and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
5 Greater feeling of satiety
When eaten raw, it provides quality energy and helps regulate appetite.
The PREDIMED study links the consumption of extra virgin olive oil with better cardiovascular health.
Scientific source
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-olive-oil/
Polyphenols: why EVOO tastes slightly spicy or bitter
Polyphenols are natural antioxidants present in olives.
They fulfill two important functions:
- contribute to health benefits
- define the sensory character of the oil
A slight tingling in the throat or bitterness when tasting the oil is usually a sign of freshness and the presence of these compounds.
Early harvest oils tend to have a higher concentration of polyphenols.
The Arbequina variety: smoothness and balance
The Arbequina is an olive variety originating from Catalonia, highly valued for its aromatic balance.
Oils made with this variety are notable for:
- sweet appetizer
- mild bitterness
- slight itching
Its aromatic profile makes it an ideal variety to consume raw.
You can discover our organic Arbequina EVOO from Priorat in the online store.
Frequently asked questions about EVOO
What does EVOO mean?
EVOO stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil , the highest quality oil obtained directly from the olive fruit through mechanical processes.
What is the ideal acidity level of an extra virgin olive oil ?
The regulations set a maximum of 0.8% , although higher quality oils usually have lower values.
How to recognize a quality extra virgin olive oil?
A good extra virgin olive oil usually indicates:
- origin of the oil
- olive variety
- harvest date
- quality certifications
How to best consume extra virgin olive oil?
Preferably raw , in salads, vegetables, bread with tomato or Mediterranean dishes.
The best EVOO brands: what they have in common
When talking about the best brands of extra virgin olive oil , quality depends not only on the final product, but on the entire process behind it.
The most highly valued extra virgin olive oils usually share the same production philosophy based on respect for the fruit, control of the process and transparency with the consumer.
Among the characteristics that usually define the best EVOO we find:
- Complete control of the process , from olive cultivation to bottling.
- Limited productions , which allow for careful attention to each stage of production.
- Respect for the environment and the agricultural landscape where olive trees are grown.
- Harvesting the olives at their optimal ripeness to preserve aromas and antioxidants.
- Cold extraction and rapid transformation of the fruit after harvest.
- Clear traceability , with identifiable origin, olive variety and harvest date.
These characteristics allow us to recognize extra virgin olive oils that faithfully express the territory from which they come.
Finca Hostalets 1898: Organic EVOO from Priorat
Within this framework is Finca Hostalets 1898 , a family farm dedicated to the production of signature organic extra virgin olive oil .
Our project stems from a commitment to the land and to a form of agriculture that respects the environment.
The oil is produced in the area surrounding the Serra de Montsant Natural Park , within the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin , one of the historical olive oil areas in Catalonia.
The harvesting is done manually and carefully , selecting the olives at their optimal point of ripeness to preserve their freshness, aromas and natural balance.
You can discover our organic Arbequina EVOO from Priorat in the online store.
Recognitions and certifications
Our extra virgin olive oil has certifications that guarantee its origin and production method.
Among them are:
- Organic certification , which guarantees environmentally friendly cultivation.
- Protected Designation of Origin Siurana , a seal that identifies high-quality olive oils produced in this region.
- International awards and recognitions that value the sensory balance and quality of EVOO.
These certifications allow consumers to more easily identify an authentic extra virgin olive oil with guaranteed origin .
Where to buy Finca Hostalets 1898 EVOO
Our organic extra virgin olive oil can be purchased directly through our online EVOO store .
Furthermore, it is available at various specialized points of sale where special care is taken with the preservation and service of the product.
These include:
Semon
Plaça de Sant Gregori Taumaturg, 6
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Barcelona 
Aspic
Av. de Pau Casals, 24
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Barcelona 
Aspic
Carrer del Doctor Ferran, 23
Les Corts, Barcelona 
Camarasa
Diagonal Avenue, 557
Les Corts, Barcelona
Olisal
Travessera de Gràcia, 149
Gràcia, Barcelona 
Boqueria Market
La Rambla, 91
Old City, Barcelona
Sybarium
Terminal 1 – Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Ronda, Málaga, Spain
Plaza España 8
Malaga
Agapico Sagrada Familia
Carrer Sardenya, 342 08025
Barcelona
Eupan
Carrer de la Marina, 231
Eixample, Barcelona
Holm oak
Rda. de Sant Pere, 72
Eixample, Barcelona
Summary
-
EVOO stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil , an oil obtained directly from the olive fruit and valued for its culinary, sensory and nutritional quality.
-
The quality of an EVOO is built from the beginning: the care of the olive tree, the treatment of the olives and the preservation of the oil until its consumption.
-
An authentic EVOO is recognized by clear criteria: healthy olives, careful work in the field, preservation of its natural components and expression of the territory.
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The timing of the harvest, respect for the fruit, and the speed of the process directly influence the freshness, aromas, and stability of the oil.
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There are objective references that help to identify quality: defined origin, harvest date, indicated variety, appropriate packaging, official seals and traceability.
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Acidity is a technical parameter that reflects the state of the olive at the time of extraction. Regulations establish a maximum of 0.8% for extra virgin olive oil.
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EVOO stands out for its natural composition, rich in oleic acid, vitamin E and polyphenols , the basis of its sensory profile and its benefits.
-
Cold extraction allows for better preservation of aromas, texture and natural compounds, resulting in more expressive oils.
-
When consumed regularly, EVOO contributes to cardiovascular, antioxidant, digestive and metabolic balance.
-
Polyphenols are perceived as a slight bitterness and a mild tingle, sensations associated with freshness and vitality.
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The Arbequina , a variety originating from Catalonia, stands out for its smoothness and balance, especially appreciated raw.
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Choosing a good EVOO involves paying attention to the information it offers transparently and the consistency of the producer.
👉 See Finca Hostalets 1898 EVOO
About this content
This article has been prepared based on direct experience in the cultivation and production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, along with scientific references and official bodies related to the Mediterranean diet.
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Olive oil has been admired since ancient times thanks to its properties and benefits; for this same reason, it has spread across all continents of the planet.
According to data from the IOC-International Olive Council, there are seven countries that concentrate about 90% of the world's production, and Spain is in first place.
EVOO: liquid gold
Within the agri-food sector, the word " Premium " is often added to distinguish Extra Virgin Olive Oils and olive juices, but the acronym or abbreviation EVOO is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the only oil in the world that can be consumed without undergoing a refining process. This is why it's called Liquid Gold , and as such, it has begun to be consumed like an exclusive liqueur or a high-priced wine. It's a luxury product that won't be stored in a kitchen cupboard, but rather where the finest liqueurs, single malt whiskies, brandies, or Imperial Premium Blends are kept.
Exclusivity and elegance
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Finca Hostalets 1898 has been internationally recognized as one of the companies that produce a unique EVOO, allowing its customers to have an unparalleled product, worthy of the most demanding palates, and at the same time, a unique gift item.
Its unique flavor, multiple benefits, and the presentation of our glass bottles, designed to protect and preserve all its properties and natural color, make it an ideal gift for any occasion.
Its benefits
Thanks to the process highly committed to organic farming (certified by the CCPAE), based on the collection and harvesting of olives at their optimal point of ripeness, carried out in a 100% manual way, an unparalleled Arberquina olive juice is obtained, which stands out from the rest of the extra virgin olive oils.
How do we do it? With the campaign every October, at Finca Hostalets 1898 we use the milking system, which consists of combing the branches until the olives fall onto the nets, always taking care that they do not have any bruises and thus not damage the epicarp (the skin).
The olives will maintain their properties intact until they reach the Almazara (mill located on the estate itself where the oil is extracted).
According to José Seuma, CEO of Finca Hostalets 1898 and a passionate enthusiast of this business, “EVOO: is the fresh juice of a healthy olive, recently harvested from the tree. A nutritious and healthy contribution to our body.”
For this reason, the benefits of each olive are remarkable, as they help prevent cardiovascular disease, protect the brain from cognitive decline, strengthen the immune system, and benefit the skin, among other things. For more information, you can read the Consensus Report of the III International Congress on Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Groves and Health , https://www.mercacei.com/pdf/iii-declaracion-de-jaen.pdf.
Only EVOO retains all the healthy nutritional properties so that all the natural antioxidants are preserved in the best way.
Besides being delicious, it's important to always have one at home, and to know that the product we use is an original Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
When will you try it?
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We had the honor of being invited to the private presentation of the new Unión Suiza collection in Barcelona.
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We tasted our fantastic Extra Virgin Olive Oil with white truffle , which delighted the most demanding gourmets attending the Swiss Union event.
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On March 20th, José Seuma personally attended to a small group of Harrod's best customers during a private event in the Harrod's food hall . He explained how he produces his oils and vinegars.
Likewise, this group had the opportunity to taste the products on site.
“ Meet the maker ” took place on March 30th, a demonstration for those strolling through the store and many of them were surprised with a tasting in its food hall, thus meeting the creator of the Finca Hostalets brand.
A very rewarding experience for both Finca Hostalets and the attendees.
The Finca Hostalets stand was in the Harrod's Food Hall on March 30th, from 10am to 11:30am
José Seuma attended the first tasting, where he met the customers and spoke with them about La Finca, where Finca Hostalets products could be purchased.
Customers could taste the oil from its creator before buying it.
Throughout 2016, Finca Hostalets will have a presence in its hall and can be tasted on the following days:
May 17, 2016
June 10, 2016
October 18, 2016
November 3, 2016
December 1, 2016
During March 2016, Harrods' window display featured the " Cracking Gourmet" campaign, a major Easter egg event.
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Thank you, and we'll be back!
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Our partners will bring you our organic extra virgin olive oils.
Contact us and we will inform you of our nearest point of sale
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We landed in Asia with great success. We were present with gourmet shop distributors who allowed us to present our Finca Hostalets product to all their customers.
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Through our importer for Holland, Secretos de Andalucía , we had the opportunity to have a presence at a stand at the Dutch Christmas Gifts Fair on February 9th and 10th, 2016.
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From September 3rd to 6th, 2015
Our first visit to Speciality Fine Food in London was last September 2015.
We set up a modest stand in one of the fair's main aisles. There, we had the pleasure of meeting many visitors who were interested in our olive juice.
We are introducing our new limited edition products such as our numbered 1L bottle of organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil , a numbered and exclusive bottle in each harvest.
We also present our bottles of Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil with White Truffle and Black Truffle.
To the surprise of many, we did a small tasting and sampling of our organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil explained by José Seuma, olive grower and owner of Finca Hostalets .
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Tasting and sampling of Finca Hostalets Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Location: DeliShop Barcelona
Date: May 2015
Schedule: 4pm to 6pm
We organized a tasting for about 10 guests in collaboration with DeliShop, one of our partner stores in Barcelona.
We prepared the table with the necessary elements for the tasting of Finca Hostalets Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
José Seuma, olive grower and CEO of Finca Hostalets, an expert in the field, gave a short presentation of the brand (Finca Hostalets) and its oil.
We reached the recommended capacity because José provides a more personal touch with smaller groups. We had tasters from various countries, all very interested in extra virgin olive oil and olive juice.
Each of the attendees repeated what José explained about the oil tasting.
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Appearances of Finca Hostalets in the print media. Magazines and newspapers from January 2013.
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Our appearances in the print media during the month of December 2012
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Our appearances in the print media during the month of November 2012