Everyone sometimes wonders if olive oil sold as extra virgin can really carry that qualification. There is so much dishonesty and fraud in the world that extra virgin olive oil should have an official quality mark. Well, that quality mark exists.
Fraud in the olive oil industry
A random sample from the Olive Oil Institute at the three largest Dutch supermarkets found that 74% of the bottles of olive oil labeled as extra virgin did not comply with the labeling. In some cases, it was so bad that the olive oil should be labeled as lampante oil (lampante) and no longer suitable for human consumption.
The Olive oil Institute
The Olive Oil Institute is an independent organization that evaluates olive oil and then issues a quality mark for it in the form of gold, silver or bronze.
The inspection process
Don’t think the process is easy, as the olive oil must undergo a number of rigorous tests. First, it is subjected to pre-selection, where the oil is examined for flaws. This involves the use of an electronic nose called the e-Nose. This detects “errors” such as the wrong production process, incorrect storage, outdated oil, or the addition of other substances. Real noses are then brought into position. The organoleptic panel works according to the guidelines established by the International Olive Council (I.O.C.). The panel evaluates the oil according to a 100-point system and issues a quality mark based on the results.
Aljeta Gold quality
Aljeta extra virgin olive oil has passed this double inspection with flying colors and has now earned a gold quality seal. This means that our olive oil is among the very best extra virgin olive oils for sale in the Netherlands.
The explanation of the quality marks
How good is Aljeta extra virgin olive oil according to the Olive Oil Institute’s quality mark? Very good is the answer, as they characterize “gold” as an extra virgin olive oil of “excellent quality in terms of flavor, complexity and harmony.