Italian Chef Shares Essential Tips for Choosing Quality Olive Oil

An Italian chef has highlighted essential tips for selecting high-quality olive oil, emphasizing the common pitfalls consumers face. In a recent TikTok video, Chef Roberta outlined three crucial checks that can help buyers avoid purchasing inferior or misleading products.

Many consumers unknowingly purchase olive oils that are not authentic or of good quality. Roberta pointed out that while many oils may appear to be Italian, they often consist of blends from various countries. She stated, “I’ll explain how to choose the real Italian olive oil. Many times, the extra virgin olive oil we find in supermarkets seems Italian, but in reality, it is a mixture of olive oils from several countries.”

Three Key Checks for Authentic Olive Oil

Roberta’s first piece of advice is simple: ensure the label specifies “extra virgin olive oil.” This designation indicates a higher quality product that is less processed and retains more flavor and nutrients.

Next, consumers should always look for the country of origin on the bottle. If this information is missing, it raises the likelihood that the oil is of lower quality. Roberta emphasized, “If it doesn’t say the country, it can be a mixture of very low quality.”

Lastly, checking the harvest date is essential. Roberta cautioned that if only the expiration date is present, the oil could be old and potentially rancid. She advocates for purchasing olive oil that is freshly harvested, as it significantly impacts flavor and health benefits.

In addition to these checks, Roberta advises consumers to opt for olive oils in dark-colored packaging. She explained, “Another key detail: always choose a dark bottle or tin, as the light damages the oil.”

Preserving Quality and Freshness

Light, particularly sunlight or intense artificial light, can degrade olive oil through a process known as oxidation. This degradation leads to a loss of flavor, aroma, and nutritional quality. By choosing dark-colored bottles, such as green or brown glass, or opaque containers, consumers can protect the oil from harmful light exposure.

For optimal quality, Roberta recommends storing olive oil in a cool, dark place and ensuring the bottle is tightly sealed after each use.

Roberta’s advice has resonated with many, as her TikTok video has attracted over 1,900 likes and numerous positive comments. Viewers expressed their appreciation, with one commenter stating, “I love you so much, chef Roberta.” Another remarked, “You have my respect!” Some viewers even expressed a desire to visit her restaurant, Aroma Roma, located in San Jose, Costa Rica.

As consumers increasingly seek out the best culinary ingredients, Roberta’s insights provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their cooking with authentic extra virgin olive oil.