Spanish cuisine is famous for its unique flavors, health benefits, and rich ingredients resulting in a unique taste you can’t find anywhere else. Spaniards have perfected the art of producing quality and nutritional olive oils for more than three centuries. From making toast for breakfast, and salads for brunch, to creating different recipes for supper, olive oil is an essential ingredient in Spanish kitchens. Spain’s olive oil, often called Spain’s liquid gold, is the most sought after because of its wide variety, high quality, and numerous health benefits. With over 300 million olive trees, a perfect Mediterranean climate ideal for olive trees to flourish, high-tech harvesting techniques, and dozens of olive oil varieties, it’s no surprise that Spain ranks high among the world’s largest producers of olive oil.
Properties of olive oil
Here are some properties of olive oil:
Anti-inflammatory components
Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory components such as oleocanthal, which reduce inflammation in the body. Olive oil can reduce chronic inflammation preventing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or cancer.
Healthy Monounsaturated Fats
Olive oil contains a high percentage of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that contains numerous health benefits, including reducing risks associated with cancer.
Rich in antioxidants
Olive oil contains antioxidants that protect you against chronic illnesses. The large amounts of antioxidants prevent blood oxidation, reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
How to distinguish a good olive oil?
Have you ever looked at rows of olive oils at your local store and wondered which one to choose? It’s challenging to select a good olive oil, especially when numerous oil brands hit the market yearly. So, how do you choose good olive oil?
The best olive oil depends on when it was harvested, how many times it was pressed, and the quality of the olives. Good olive oil doesn’t contain chemicals or additives, has no defects in smell, color, taste, or smell, is pressed within 24 hours after harvest, and must not exceed 0.8 percent acidity.
Olive oil in the Mediterranean diet
Spanish liquid gold is an essential component of the Mediterranean diet because it emphasizes important aspects of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet involves consuming traditional foods, including vegetables, legumes, fruits, and healthy oils such as olive. The versatility of olive oil and its health benefits allow the oil to be used in various ways while making Mediterranean-themed dishes. You can fry, cook, sauté, or bake using olive oil, which contains health benefits such as reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses and enabling you to live a healthy lifestyle.
H2 How can olive oil be used in cooking?
The great thing about olive oil is that there are several ways you can use it in the kitchen for your maximum pleasure. Here are several ways you can use olive oil in the kitchen:
Dressing salads and vegetables
You can use crude olive oil to dress your sandwiches, vegetables, or salads. Whether you are a vegetarian or vegan or like to prepare healthy vegetable dishes and salads, crude olive is a perfect addition to your kitchen.
Cooking and frying
If you are looking for an oil that enhances the gastronomical qualities of your cooking ingredients, you can’t go wrong with olive oil. Using olive oil to cook or fry your food can help improve the flavor of your meal, enhance the aroma, and retain nutrients in the ingredients. Olive oil is also ideal because it has several health benefits that maintain your overall health.
At Foiegood we use olive oil in the production of our products. This is part of the secret that has allowed us to produce an alternative foie gras, with 48% less fat, 40% fewer calories and 67% less fat.
Now that you know how to select a good olive oil and the health benefits you can derive by using it in your kitchen, you can explore making different dishes with Spain’s liquid gold. Spain’s liquid gold is an essential component of the Mediterranean diet that promotes a healthy diet and lifestyle.
