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SMART SHOPPING: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

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Extra-virgin olive oil is an essential ingredient in many dishes, but the available options can be overwhelming. Many things impact the quality and flavor of olive oil, but the type of olives, timing of harvest (earlier means greener, more peppery; later, more golden and mild), and processing are the most important factors. The best-quality oil comes from olives picked at their peak and processed quickly, without heat or chemicals (which coax more oil from the olives at the expense of flavor). Our favorite oils were made from a blend of olives and, thus, were well rounded. Our favorite is Columela Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spain.