Olive oil is the heart of every Palestinian and Jordanian kitchen. But with so many bottles on the shelf, how do you know you are getting the real thing? Here is a simple guide from the OHL Food team.
1. Taste it on its own
Real extra virgin olive oil tastes fresh and fruity. You will often notice a slight bitterness on the tongue and a peppery feeling at the back of the throat. That peppery bite is a good sign of fresh, quality oil. If the oil tastes flat, greasy or of nothing at all, it is probably refined or old.
2. Smell it
Good oil smells like fresh olives, cut grass or green leaves. A smell like crayons, vinegar or old nuts usually means the oil has gone rancid or was poorly stored.
3. Don't judge by colour alone
Many people think a green oil is always better. In fact, colour depends on the olive variety and harvest time. Early harvest oil is greener, later harvest oil is more golden. Taste and smell tell you much more than colour.
4. Read the label
- Look for the words Extra Virgin, not just "olive oil" or "light olive oil".
- Check the country and region of origin.
- Check the harvest or production date. Fresher is better.
5. The fridge test is not reliable
You may have heard that real olive oil turns solid in the fridge. This is a popular myth. Some real oils go cloudy and some don't, so this test cannot prove anything.
6. Store it right
Keep olive oil away from light, heat and air. A dark bottle or a closed tin in a cool cupboard keeps the flavour for longer. Always close the lid well after use.
Our olive oil at OHL Food
At OHL Food we bring olive oil from the famous olive-growing regions of Palestine, including Nablus, Jenin and Beit Jala, as well as oil from Jordan. Choose a 1 litre or 500 ml bottle for everyday use, or a 15kg tin for the whole family's season. We deliver across the UAE.