Extra virgin olive oil vs olive oil: what is the difference?

Extra virgin olive oil and olive oil are not quite the same

When shopping for olive oil you will find several categories. Extra virgin is the highest grade among virgin olive oils, while plain "olive oil" is a different trade name that can be a blend of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil.

What defines extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil belongs to the top category of virgin olive oils. It is obtained directly from olives by mechanical means and must meet the quality requirements set for that category.

How to choose for your use

For dressing, finishing dishes, cooking and enjoying the taste of the olive, an extra virgin olive oil can be a versatile choice. Variety, origin and sensory profile help you find the oil that best suits your cooking.

Discover Arbequina from Les Garrigues

To get to know our producer's oil, visit the Arbequina olive oil collection and see the 2-litre and 5-litre sizes.

Frequently asked questions

Is extra virgin always better?

It depends on how you use it and on your taste, but extra virgin is the highest quality category among virgin olive oils.

What does extra virgin mean?

It is a category defined by legal quality criteria and by physico-chemical and sensory characteristics.

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To learn how to judge origin and size, read our guide to buying 5-litre olive oil and find out more about Arbequina from Les Garrigues.