Olive oil is widely celebrated for its numerous health benefits. Packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, it’s known to boost life expectancy by reducing the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Additionally, it combats osteoporosis, prevents skin cancer, and helps alleviate depression.

However, not all olive oils are created equal; many on the market fall short of high-quality standards. Read on to discover how to ensure you pick the best bottle.

The Olive Oil Production Process

The journey of olive oil from grove to bottle is a meticulous one. Olives are carefully harvested and stored in shallow containers to avoid crushing, which can lead to oxidation and fermentation, resulting in a bitter taste.

Once harvested, the olives are ground into a paste using large stainless steel rollers. This paste undergoes a process called malaxation—a slow stirring with water for up to 40 minutes, which helps the oil molecules concentrate.

The paste is then placed in a centrifuge, where it is spun at high speed to separate the oil and water from the solid material. The extracted oil is stored in stainless steel containers at around 65°F before it is bottled and distributed.

How to Identify High-Quality Olive Oil

To ensure you’re buying top-notch olive oil, look for the following traits: