Extra virgin olive oil, often shortened to EVOO, is the highest recognised grade of olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil, often shortened to EVOO, is the highest recognised grade of olive oil. It is made directly from olives using mechanical methods, without chemical refining.

The result is an oil that retains the natural aroma, flavour and character of the olive fruit.

What Makes Olive Oil “Extra Virgin”?

To be classified as extra virgin, olive oil must meet strict quality standards. It should have low acidity, no significant sensory defects, and show the fresh aroma and flavour expected from good-quality olives.

Quality depends on several factors, including:

The variety of olive
The condition of the fruit at harvest
How quickly the olives are processed
Extraction temperature
Storage conditions
Protection from heat, light and oxygen

The best oils are produced from healthy olives and extracted soon after harvesting.

What Does “Cold Extracted” Mean?

Cold extraction means the olive paste is processed at a controlled temperature, generally below 27°C.

Keeping the temperature low helps preserve the natural flavour, aroma and valuable compounds found in the olive oil.

It is one of the reasons a good extra virgin olive oil can taste fresh, fruity and vibrant.

What Should Extra Virgin Olive Oil Taste Like?

Good EVOO should have character.

Depending on the olive variety, harvest time and region, you may notice:

Fresh green or fruity aromas
Grassy or herbal notes
A gentle bitterness
A peppery sensation at the back of the throat

Bitterness and pepperiness are not necessarily signs of poor quality. In fresh olive oil, they can be natural characteristics connected with the olives and their naturally occurring polyphenols.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs Regular Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is produced without refining and keeps more of the olive’s original sensory characteristics.

Products simply labelled “olive oil” are often blends containing refined olive oil together with a smaller amount of virgin olive oil.

For people who value flavour, provenance and minimal processing, extra virgin olive oil is usually the preferred choice.

How Can You Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

EVOO is extremely versatile.

Use it for:

Salads and dressings
Dipping with bread
Pasta
Roasted vegetables
Fish
Marinades
Sauces
Everyday cooking
Finishing dishes before serving

A high-quality olive oil can transform even a very simple meal.

The Prasinaki Approach

At Prasinaki, we believe good olive oil should be understood as much as it is enjoyed.

Our Greek extra virgin olive oil comes from Messinia, Greece, a region with a long olive-growing tradition.

We focus on quality, flavour and provenance, bringing authentic Greek olive oil from the grove to your table.

Prasinaki — From Grove to Bottle, Pure Quality for Better Health.