3 Facts About Virgin Olive Oil Everyone Should Know, But Don't

There is very little argument about the health benefits that can be gained by including virgin olive oil in your daily diet. The problem is in a lack of knowledge about what this oil is and is not. There are a lot of mis-conceptions out there about this incredible product. Are you falling for these myths, or are you aware of these 3 little known facts about virgin olive oil. Let's find out.

The 3 Facts You Need To Know

Okay, you already know about all of the amazing benefits that this incredible gift has. You know it's great for your heart, your skin, and many other aspects of your life and health. It's also a great tasting and very diverse ingredient for the foods that we eat. Here are the 3 most unknown facts you should be aware of and always consider when looking to make a purchase. Don't get ripped off. Gain the education necessary and the experience will be well worth the work involved.

1. The first little known fact is that nearly 90% of oil that is supposedly made and packaged in Italy is in reality imported from Spain. Add to that the fact that only 3,000 gallons of this precious substance is every released each year. The rest is imitation. It has been an extremely well controlled food product for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

2. Extra virgin is a very loosely used term. Often times you can see the sediment at the bottom of a bottle claiming to be extra virgin. Other times it's obvious, just by taking a look at how inexpensive the product looks, that it's most likely to good to be true. These plant products are very strictly rated based on the pressing process, taste tests, color, and various other elements.

3. Finally on our list is the mis-conception believed by many people about shelf life and storage of these types of products. First of all, it shouldn't be refrigerated but it does require a dark space that is cool. Also, it should also be stored for no more than a year. Temperature and light exposure plays a critical part of prolonging the overall shelf life. In addition, it doesn't get better the longer you have it. Age doesn't improve quality. People also believe that it will keep longer because it has a very low acidity level. The acid level has nothing to do with how long it will keep.