Quality Is Not Measured by Chemistry Alone

Extra virgin olive oil is a symbol of the Mediterranean diet and a pillar of Italian food culture. But what makes an EVO oil truly high quality? Excellence is measured not only through chemical parameters, but also through the sensory characteristics perceived by our senses.

Acidity and Composition

A key parameter for determining the quality of extra virgin olive oil is free acidity, which indicates the presence of oleic acid. A high-quality EVO oil must have an acidity level below 0.8%. This value is measured through chemical and physical analysis, which also evaluates components such as polyphenols, sterols and fatty acids.

ArteOlio® Prezioso extra virgin olive oil, obtained through cold extraction, fully meets these standards, maintaining very low acidity and a composition rich in natural antioxidants.

The Role of the Senses

Beyond chemical parameters, quality can also be recognised through sensory analysis, which evaluates oil visually, aromatically and on the palate. A good oil should have a green-golden colour, typical of fresh olives, and an intense fragrance recalling vegetal and fruity notes such as freshly cut grass or green tomato.

Taste is perhaps the clearest indicator of quality. A balanced flavour between bitterness and pungency, due to polyphenols, gives the oil character while also contributing to its health benefits.

Extraction and Storage

Cold extraction helps preserve the oil’s sensory and nutritional properties. In this process, olives are processed within a few hours of harvesting to prevent oxidation that could compromise quality. ArteOlio® Prezioso is produced using this method, ensuring an oil that retains its full nutritional richness.

Expert Tasting

Professional tasting is the most authoritative analysis. This sensory assessment classifies oil according to its merits and defects. Only oils that pass these evaluations qualify as extra virgin. ArteOlio® submits every batch of Prezioso to strict tests to guarantee an impeccable product.

Choosing a high-quality extra virgin olive oil requires attention to chemical and sensory details, as well as transparency from the producer. ArteOlio® Prezioso represents excellence thanks to a controlled supply chain, cold extraction and uncompromising sensory quality.