Why is it called Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

More than just a name

Extra virgin olive oil – the name exudes quality, but what does it really mean? When you stand in front of the shelves of olive oil, the designations can seem confusing. At CARDENAU, we are proud of our extra virgin olive oil, and we want to explain exactly why this designation is so important and what it means for both the quality and taste of your oil.

Read on and discover why extra virgin olive oil is the best choice, both in terms of taste and quality.

What does 'Extra Virgin' mean?

When an olive oil is called "extra virgin", it refers to the highest quality standard in olive oil production. The term means that the oil is extracted from fresh olives by first cold pressing, without the use of chemicals or heat treatment above 27 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the oil retains as many of its natural nutrients, antioxidants and flavors as possible.

Extra virgin is not just a name, but a guarantee of purity, quality and optimal taste experience.

Extra Virgin vs. Virgin – What’s the Difference?

It can be difficult to distinguish between "virgin" and "extra virgin" olive oil, but the difference lies in the details:

Acidity

Extra virgin olive oil has an acidity of less than 0.8%, which is an important indicator of quality and freshness. Regular virgin olive oil has an acidity of between 0.8% and 2% and thus does not meet the same high standards.

Taste assessment

To obtain the extra virgin designation, the olive oil must undergo a sensory test where experts assess the taste. The oil must be flawless and have a balanced, fresh taste with distinct notes of fruitiness, light bitterness and a pleasant aftertaste.

CARDENAU Extra Virgin Olive Oil meets all these requirements and offers you an authentic, pure and complex taste experience.

Why is Extra Virgin Olive Oil better?

When you choose extra virgin olive oil, you're not just choosing better quality – you're also choosing a richer flavor experience. Here's why:

Higher level of polyphenols

Extra virgin olive oil contains several polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants. These protect the body from oxidative stress and also contribute a complex and pleasant bitterness to the taste.

Preserves natural flavors

Because extra virgin olive oil is extracted gently, it preserves the olive fruit's natural flavor profile – a unique combination of fruity, grassy and nutty notes that make it perfect in both cold and hot dishes.

How is Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced?

At CARDENAU we select only the best olives, which are harvested and pressed within a few hours. The rapid processing of the olives ensures minimal oxidation and a low acidity.

The olives are gently pressed at low temperatures, preserving the flavours and nutrients. This method is called "first cold pressing", and the result is an oil of maximum freshness and quality.

Read more about what makes high-quality olive oil in our The Ultimate Guide to Olive Oil .

How to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil optimally

Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for:

• Dressings and vinaigrettes

• As an end to hot dishes such as pasta, risotto or soup

• Drizzled over freshly baked bread or pizza

• Marinating vegetables or meat

Read more tips in our article: How to use olive oil correctly? .

Why choose CARDENAU Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

CARDENAU Extra Virgin Olive Oil stands out for its unrivaled quality, taste and authenticity. Our focus is on offering you an oil that turns every dish into a gourmet experience. The rich taste and high quality are not only a result of the production method, but also of our passion and care in every step of the process.

When you choose CARDENAU, you choose an oil with high standards, awareness of sustainability and a taste experience that will elevate your cooking to new heights.

So why is it called "Extra Virgin"?

The "extra virgin" designation is your guarantee of quality, freshness and taste. It ensures that you are getting an oil produced to the highest standards and with the utmost respect for the raw materials.

Try CARDENAU Extra Virgin Olive Oil and feel the difference. Our promise to you is an unforgettable tasting experience with every drop.

See you soon – Buy your bottle of CARDENAU Extra Virgin Olive Oil here!