When only the finest olive oil will do, choose extra virgin olive oil from Greece. Greece is one of the world’s top olive oil producing countries, and the vast majority of the oil it produces is of the highest grade: extra virgin olive oil.

Not only does Greece produce some of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the world, it’s been doing so for thousands of years. Olive trees and their bounty have been a part of Greek culture since ancient times. Olive oil was called “liquid gold” by Homer and has long been considered a gift from the gods.

Far removed from Mt. Olympus, modern consumers are faced with many olive oil choices - and it’s confusing. Some purchase bottles of olive oil based on price alone while others may not understand the differences between extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, and low-cost blends.

Olive oil comes in several grades with extra virgin olive oil being the highest. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its exceptional aroma, quality, and taste. It is produced from the first pressing of the olives as does virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is produced through mechanical means only with no added chemicals or water. Temperatures during processing cannot exceed 86℉ to prevent degrading the oil. The acidity of extra virgin olive oil is limited to 0.8 percent. In contrast, the acidity of virgin olive oil can go as high as 2 percent.

To add to the confusion, extra virgin olive oil is produced in various regions around the world including Greece, Italy, Spain, and California. Here at Recipiada.com, we have sampled the world’s finest extra virgin olive oils and believe that extra virgin olive oil from Greece truly is a gift from the gods.