When we describe an extra virgin olive oil, its characteristic intense green colour always comes to mind. However, within the different varieties of EVOO on the market, we can find a wide range of shades ranging from green to golden tones.
Contrary to popular belief, the colour of EVOO does not determine its quality, nor does it influence the extra virgin certification process.
For this purpose, blue or red oil tasting glasses are used, which prevent the colour of the oil from being seen, and only smell and taste are used to determine its quality.
However, in recent years, the possibility of using a new classification system is being studied, as consumers use colour as a determining factor in the purchase of the product.
For this reason, Aceite Oliva Online would like to explain to EVOO lovers all the secrets related to colour and its different meanings.
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What determines the colour of EVOO?
There are several factors that determine the colour ranges of extra virgin olive oil:
- Variety of the olive.
- The time of harvesting.
- The production process.
- Whether or not the oil is filtered.
- The pigments in the olive.
Of all these, the pigments present in the olives are responsible for the definitive colour of the EVOO:
- If it has a high level of chlorophyll and pheophytins, the olives will obtain a more greenish colour.
- If it has more carotenes and xanthophylls than chlorophyll, the olives will have a colour between yellow and golden.
All these quantities of the different pigments will be conditioned by the degree of ripeness of the olive.
As for the filtering of the oil, this will eliminate some impurities that may have remained during the harvesting of the olives. Therefore, if the oil is filtered, it will have cleaner and shinier tones than if it is not filtered.
Why does extra virgin olive oil change colour?
If you are a regular consumer of extra virgin olive oil, you may have noticed a change in the colour of the product.
The change in the colour of EVOO is mainly due to the passage of time, since, as we have already mentioned, the oil gradually loses its chlorophyll level, going from green tones to more golden ones.
Furthermore, if the oil is exposed to the sun’s rays or is located near hot areas in the kitchen, this change in pigmentation is accelerated.
For this reason, it is always advisable to keep our extra virgin olive oils in a safe place: in opaque containers and away from sunlight.
Enjoy the best EVOO, regardless of its colour.
Whether it is green or yellow, the colour of EVOO has no influence on whether you can enjoy the benefits of the liquid gold.
That is why at Aceite Oliva Online you will find a huge catalogue of extra virgin olive oils to buy, in different shades and with the highest quality.
