The color of olive oil: what does it tell us?
Do you know why in the EVOO tastings Are opaque glasses used? Indeed, so that the color of the olive oil does not influence the assessment, since The shade of the product is not a parameter indicative of greater or lesser quality.. Now, having clarified this point, the color range yes it can give you great information that will help you choose the best option according to your personal tastes. What does an olive oil reveal to you through its color?
¿De qué depende el color del aceite de oliva?
First of all, it must be pointed out that The color of olive oil is determined by the presence of pigments in the olive juice. Specifically, of chlorophylls, which give the green tones, and carotenes, which provide the golden nuances. However, the prevalence of both depends on several key factors, according to the study Control of chlorophyllic and carotenoid pigments by HPLC in virgin olive oil:
- The how olive trees are grown, the orographic characteristics of the terrain, the meteorological conditions of the campaign and even the variety of olives can influence the color of the oil. For example, the Picual variety tends to produce deep green oils, while the Arbequina or Empeltre produce more golden oils.
- The phase of olive harvesting It is also crucial in the color of the olive oil. Olives harvested early - during veraison - usually produce oils of an intense green color, while olives harvested later produce more yellow oils.
- Preparation process: The method of storage, extraction and processing also plays an important role. For example, cold-pressed oils tend to have brighter colors, as this process better preserves the natural pigments. On the other hand, filtered oils tend to be clearer, having purified the juice, while unfiltered oils have a more intense and cloudy tone.
What should the color of the oil be like?
Therefore, the olive oil color can vary considerably. However, despite the different tones that the previous elements may provide, The color range of olive juice ranges from deep green to bright gold., also encompassing yellow and slightly orange tones. Anything else should trigger your alerts.
What happens when olive oil changes color?
It is the case that the color of olive oil tends towards oxidized colors or become more translucent. If you see that the product is turning these tones, it is most likely that has been degraded for not following good ones oil conservation guidelines. Don't worry, it does not pose a risk to your health, since olive oil does not expire. But yes will reduce the organoleptic properties of EVOO and the original flavor and aroma will be affected.
A different situation is that you perceive that the oil starts to turn whitish, with white dots, like frosting. This is due to low temperatures and does not influence the quality of the oil. The product will return to its initial state once the thermometers rise.
What is the greenest colored oil?
Outside of these exceptional situations, If the color of the olive oil is more like green, it means that it is from an early harvest.. This is because, in this fruit development phase, the level of chlorophyll present in the rump is higher, giving these greenish tones to the EVOO. In fact, that is also why greens are more intense and spicy oils, since they have a high polyphenol content.
Why is olive oil yellow?
In the event that you purchase a olive oil with golden or yellow tones, the reason is the greater presence of carotenes as a consequence of greater maturation. These pigments are more prevalent in ripe olives and are better preserved than chlorophyll during the cold extraction process. On a taste level, a yellow oil usually has a milder flavor and less bitter than a green one.
In summary, the olive oil color It can offer valuable information about its origin and production process, although it should not be used as the only criterion to evaluate its quality, only to adjust your choice to your personal preferences. In this sense, The important thing is to look for extra virgin olive oils like the ones we offer you at Hacienda Guzmán, with five Premium varieties to satisfy the most exquisite palates. Choose yours!
