What is EVOO and what does it really mean?

EVOO stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil .
A technical definition, but incomplete for those who want to understand why extra virgin olive oil has high value for health, flavor and everyday cooking.

If you've come this far, you're usually looking for more than just a label. You want to understand:

1. What defines an authentic extra virgin olive oil?
2. why are real health benefits attributed to it?
3. how to recognize quality with clear and verifiable criteria,
4. And what goes into a well-made extra virgin olive oil?

The true meaning of EVOO is built upon How the olive tree is cared for , how the olive is treated, and how the oil is preserved until it reaches the bottle .
That's where its value comes from.

What is authentic extra virgin olive oil and how is its quality defined?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the direct result of the olive fruit. Its quality depends not on a single decision, but on the sum of many factors well aligned throughout the process.

A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is recognized because:

- It comes from healthy, well-cared-for olives,

- We work carefully from the field,

- retains its natural components,

- expresses the character of theterritory from which it originates.

When these conditions are respected, the oil naturally maintains its sensory profile , nutritional value , and stability over time .

How is authentic extra virgin olive oil produced and what elements make the difference?

All quality extra virgin olive oil begins in the olive tree . One of the most important factors is the harvest time . The olive is picked when it reaches its optimal point: a balance between freshness, green aromas, and a concentration of antioxidant compounds.

The harvesting method directly influences the final result. When olives are picked carefully and with respect for the tree, they arrive at the mill in better condition. This is especially important in olive groves located inNatural Parks , where environmental stewardship is an integral part of the agricultural project itself.

After the harvest, time is of the essence. Transforming the olives in just a few hours allows their natural structure to be preserved. The resulting extra virgin olive oil then faithfully reflects the fruit and the landscape from which it comes.

For this reason, extra virgin olive oils produced with this level of care often share objective references that help the consumer to identify them:

1. origin clearly indicated,
2. visible harvest date,
3. specified olive variety ,
4. dark packaging that protects the EVOO from light,
5. official seals (organic, Protected Designation of Origin),
6. limited and traceable productions.

These elements serve as visible guarantees of consistent and transparent work .

The acidity of extra virgin olive oil explained clearly and understandably

Acidity is one of the most frequently mentioned and least understood concepts. It has no relation to flavor or an acidic sensation in the mouth.

Acidity measures the amount of free fatty acids present in the oil. This value is directly related to the condition of the olive at the time of extraction.

When the olive:

1. - It is collected in good condition,
2. - it is processed in a short time,
3. - and it is done with extreme care,

The resulting olive juice naturally has low acidity levels.

Regulations stipulate that Extra Virgin Olive Oil can have a maximum acidity level of 0.8% . In oils made from excellent raw materials, these values are usually significantly lower.

Low acidity indicates:

- healthy olive,

- good process control,

- and oil stability over time.

It is a technical indicator of quality , although it is not directly perceived when tasting extra virgin olive oil.

What differentiates Extra Virgin Olive Oil from other vegetable oils

EVOO occupies a special place among vegetable fats due to its natural structure and the presence of bioactive compounds specific to the olive tree .

Among them are:

1. Oleic acid , a monounsaturated fat associated with cardiovascular protection.
2. Vitamin E , with antioxidant action.
3. Polyphenols , responsible for a large part of its benefits and its sensory character.

This composition explains why EVOO is the main fat in the Mediterranean diet , recognized by the World Health Organization as a model of healthy eating.

🔗 Source: WHO
https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet

Choosing EVOO is a conscious way to take care of the quality of the fat that is part of your daily diet.

Cold sourcing: what it really means and why it matters

Cold extraction refers to an extraction process carried out at a controlled temperature, generally below 27 °C.

Working at this temperature allows:

- preserve the natural aromas,

- preserve the texture of extra virgin olive oil,

- to keep antioxidants and polyphenols intact.

The result is a more expressive, balanced EVOO that is especially appreciated when used raw.
Beyond the technique, cold extraction reflects a way of understanding this type of oil in which the quality of the fruit sets the pace of the process .

Benefits of EVOO explained in detail and based on science

Extra virgin olive oil provides real benefits when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. One tablespoon (15 ml) a day, preferably raw, is sufficient.

1. Cardiovascular health

Oleic acid helps maintain a balanced lipid profile, helping to reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation and promoting the elasticity of blood vessels.

2. Anti-inflammatory action

Polyphenols participate in the regulation of persistent low-grade inflammatory processes related to cellular aging and metabolism.

3. Antioxidant protection

The natural antioxidants in EVOO help protect cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

4. Digestive function

Regular consumption of EVOO promotes digestion and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K).

5. Satiety and energy balance

It provides quality energy and contributes to a greater feeling of satiety, helping to regulate appetite.

The PREDIMED study, one of the most relevant clinical trials on the Mediterranean diet, associates regular consumption of EVOO with better cardiovascular health.

🔗 Scientific source:
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-olive-oil/

Polyphenols: what they are and why they are perceived in the mouth

Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in olives. They serve a dual purpose:

• participate in the health benefits of EVOO,

• and define part of its sensory character.

An extra virgin olive oil is considered rich in polyphenols starting at 250 mg/kg . In early harvest and well-made oils, these values can be significantly higher.

The slight bitterness and mild spiciness perceived when swallowing are sensations associated with these compounds and are usually interpreted as signs of freshness and vitality of the EVOO.

🔗 Recommended internal link:
👉 Our EVOO high in polyphenols

The Arbequina variety: smoothness, balance and origin

The Arbequina variety originates from Catalonia and is prized for its harmonious and delicate profile. Its lower yield per kilogram of fruit allows for more careful attention throughout the entire process.

Arbequina extra virgin olive oils are usually known for:

- sweet appetizer,

- bitterness content,

- subtle spiciness when the oil is fresh.

These characteristics make it a variety especially valued for raw consumption.

🔗 Recommended internal link:
👉 Arbequina EVOO – Finca Hostalets 1898

❓ Frequently asked questions about EVOO

What does EVOO really mean?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, obtained directly from the fruit of the olive tree and with high quality parameters.

What is the ideal acidity level of an extra virgin olive oil?
Up to 0.8%, with lower values usually found in oils made with olives in excellent condition.

How can you recognize a quality extra virgin olive oil?
Based on its origin, harvest date, variety, packaging, official seals, and producer transparency.

How to consume EVOO to get the most benefit from it?
Preferably raw, regularly and in moderate quantities.

The best EVOO brands: what they have in common

The leading brands share the same philosophy: control of the entire process, careful production and respect for the environment .

Within this framework is Finca Hostalets 1898 , a family farm dedicated to the production of organic, signature EVOO , with the Siurana Designation of Origin, cultivated in a Natural Park and harvested by hand.

Awards

Ecological certification

Siurana Designation of Origin

International Awards

Where to buy Finca Hostalets 1898 EVOO

In addition to direct purchase from the farm, our EVOO is available at specialized points of sale where the product and its preservation are carefully managed:

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 – Av. Diagonal, 557, Les Corts, Barcelona

Olisal – Travessera de Gràcia, 149, Gràcia, Barcelona

Boqueria Market – La Rambla, 91, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

Sibarium – Terminal 1 of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Ronda Málaga Spain – Plaza España 8, Málaga

Eupan – Carrer de la Marina, 231, Eixample, Barcelona

Encina – Rd. de Sant Pere, 72, Eixample, Barcelona

Summary

1. EVOO stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil , an oil obtained directly from the olive fruit and valued for its culinary, sensory and nutritional quality.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. There are objective references that help to identify quality: defined origin, harvest date, indicated variety, appropriate packaging, official seals and traceability.

6. 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.

7. EVOO stands out for its natural composition, rich in oleic acid, vitamin E and polyphenols , the basis of its sensory profile and its benefits.

8. Cold extraction allows for better preservation of aromas, texture and natural compounds, resulting in more expressive oils.

9. When consumed regularly, EVOO contributes to cardiovascular, antioxidant, digestive and metabolic balance.

10. Polyphenols are perceived as a slight bitterness and a mild tingle, sensations associated with freshness and vitality.

11. The Arbequina , a variety originating from Catalonia, stands out for its smoothness and balance, especially appreciated raw.

12. Choosing a good EVOO involves paying attention to the information it offers transparently and the consistency of the producer.

👉 See Finca Hostalets 1898 EVOO

Organic signature extra virgin olive oil, produced in a Natural Park and shipped directly from the farm.

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.