What is the best olive oil and what should you look for?

What is the best olive oil and what should you look for?

Olive oil isn't just olive oil. There's a big difference in taste, quality, and usability. But how do you actually recognize a good olive oil? And what should you pay attention to when choosing?

At CARDENAU, we have spent years tasting countless oils. We have chosen one that we use ourselves every day - and here we share what we believe characterizes the best olive oil.

The short answer

The best olive oil is extra virgin olive oil, which is cold-pressed, fresh, and rich in polyphenols. It has a fruity aroma, a slight bitterness, and a peppery bite in the aftertaste. Quality is not only about taste, but also about how and when the oil is pressed – and how it is stored.

What does "extra virgin" mean?

Extra virgin olive oil is the finest category of olive oil. It must be mechanically pressed – meaning without the use of chemicals – and have a very low acidity percentage (under 0.8%). But even within this category, there is a big difference. Therefore, you should always taste your way through and look for more details than just the label.

Five things you should look for

1. Origin and variety
Olive oil from a single region and a single variety (single origin) often has a higher quality than blended oils. Our oil from Peña Luna in Spain is made from Arbequina and Pico Limón - two varieties known for their balance and finesse.

2. Pressing method
Cold pressing ensures that the oil retains its flavor and nutrients. The temperature must not exceed 27 degrees during pressing. It is a slower method, but the result is significantly better.

3. Freshness
Olive oil is a perishable product. It should be used within 12-18 months of pressing. Look for the harvest year and expiration date – the fresher, the better.

4. Taste and aroma
A good oil smells fresh of green leaves, apples or artichokes. It tastes fresh, has a slight bitterness and a tingling sensation in the throat, which is a sign of high polyphenol content.

5. Packaging
Olive oil should be protected from light and heat. Choose oil in dark glass bottles or metal cans. Avoid plastic and clear glass.

Our recommendation

We have chosen our own organic extra virgin olive oil because it meets all our requirements for a good oil. It is hand-picked, gently cold-pressed and carefully bottled. It is suitable for both cold dishes and hot dishes, and it is just as good on a tomato as on a warm tart.

From our family to your kitchen.

At CARDENAU, we don't believe in compromises when it comes to taste and ingredients. A good oil isn't a luxury – it's a foundation. That's why we use it ourselves every day, and that's why we've chosen this particular oil for our range.

Would you like to taste the difference?

Choose an oil that tastes good – and that's good for both food and body.
Buy CARDENAU Organic Olive Oil here.