One of the difficulties in buying olive oil is deciphering the terminology. All olive oil is made by using machines to crush the olives. In many cases, the resultant paste is then treated with chemicals. Olive oil that has not been subjected to any chemical treatments is described as "virgin." "Extra virgin" olive oil is virgin olive oil that is judged to have a superior taste and feel. "Refined" olive oil has been purified to the point of being nearly colorless, odorless, tasteless and very low in free fatty acids. Some virgin olive oil is then mixed in to give it flavor. Refined olive oil is usually marketed as "pure olive oil" or simply "olive oil."
1. Spectrum Naturals Spec Canola/Olive Oil 32.00 oz (Pack of 12):
$1428.60, Amazon
Spectrum Naturals is owned by the Hain Celestial Group, which is based in Lake Success, NY. This particular blend is a mix of unrefined extra virgin olive oil and naturally refined canola oil and is a good source of monounsaturated fats. Its subtle olive flavor can be used in a multitude of dishes. It is particularly good with vegetable sautés, pastas and homemade pizzas.
2. Napa Valley Naturals Olive Oil, Rich & Robust (12x25.4 oz) (Value Bulk Multi-pack):
$1354.06, Amazon
Napa Valley Naturals Rich and Robust Olive Oil is made entirely from cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. It's made from Koroneiki and Arbequina olives that are both dark purple. The oil has not been filtered, so it retains all of its natural flavor The resultant oil is gold-green with a smooth and fruity taste. It can be used for dipping bread or served with tomatoes or salad. If so inclined, you can even drink it by the spoonful.
3. Spectrum Organic Unrefined Extra Virgin Olive Oil ( 6x12.7 oz) ( Value Bulk Multi-pack):
$1328.30, Amazon
Spectrum Organic Unrefined Extra Virgin Olive Oil is wholly organic and 100% cold pressed, and as a result has retained all of its aroma, nutritional value and flavor. Complete with a fruity aroma and nutty flavor, it can be used for dipping bread or sprinkling over salads and sautés.
4. Napa Valley Naturals Olive Oil, Rich & Robust (12x25.4 oz) ( Value Bulk Multi-pack):
$1015.55, Amazon
Napa Valley Naturals Rich and Robust Olive Oil is another product made entirely from cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. It's made from Koroneiki and Arbequina olives that are both dark purple. The oil has not been filtered, so it retains all of its flavor. The olive oil has a gold-green color and a smooth, fruity flavor. It can be used for dipping bread, or it can be served with tomatoes or salad. The Rich & Robust Olive Oil is one of Napa Valley's most popular and best-tasting olive oils.
5. Montebello Xvr Olive Oil 48x 750 ml:
$945.22, Amazon
The "xvr"in the title of this product stands for "extra virgin." Montebello Xvr Olive Oil is also fully organic, and is made at an Italian monastery that was established in 1388. The oil is made entirely of hand-picked green olives. The manufacturers follow old traditions, so this oil is made with an old-fashioned olive press. The resultant oil is dark green and has a distinctive flavor and aroma.
6. Eight groups Trade Organic Lom Russia Extra virgin olive oil 250 ml:
$ currently not available on Amazon
This olive oil is made by Group Ponds, Inc, a manufacturer of fine olive oils since 1945. It has been officially certified by the European Union as organic. Two varieties of olives are used to make the oil: Korunikabura and Arubekkina. The olive oil is versatile and works well with almost any kind of dish.
7. Colavita Usas Canola 75 Percent, Virgin Italian Olive Oil 25 Percent, 55 Gallon Drum -- 1 each:
$835.85, Amazon
Colavita is an Italian family company that has been in the olive oil business for four generations. Its founder, Enrico, researched and implemented oil-making traditions from all over the world. The blended oil has no cholesterol and is low in saturated fats. It offers all the health benefits of pure olive oil including an array of monounsaturated fats, which reduce the risk of heart disease, and lots of antioxidants.
8. X12 This Sicilian extra virgin olive oil "Le" 500 ml:
$739.61, Amazon
More correctly known as "RE" DOP Monti Iblei, this extra virgin olive oil is made by Frantoio Sallemi, a family business that was established in 1873. It is made from fine green hand-picked olives. It is extremely versatile and can be used with almost any dish, ranging from salad to steak. It is particularly good with sea food like tuna and sea urchin. This product is shipped in packs of 12.
9. Spectrum Organic Olive Oil Mayonnaise ( 12x12 oz) ( Value Bulk Multi-pack):
$961.14, Amazon
Spectrum Organic Olive Oil Mayonnaise is made with extra virgin olive oil and cage-free eggs, which means the eggs come from chickens that weren't cooped up in wire cages, but were raised with freedom of movement. The olive oil mayonnaise has a rich flavor and creamy texture. It can be used as a dressing for different types of seafood salad, or can be served with artichoke and other grilled vegetables.
10. California Olive Ranch Fresh Ca Evoo 48x 25.4 oz:
$857.02, Amazon
This American-made olive oil is made from olives that are pressed immediately after being picked. All the olives are grown on fully sustainable California farms. The characteristic green bottle is designed to keep the extra virgin oil fresh longer.
While olive oil is mainly associated with Italy, it is made in many other countries, including Greece, Spain, and the United States. In addition, there are around 700 unique cultivars of olives. Given such diversity, there is sure to be a delicious, nutritious olive oil for everyone.