Whats the difference between "olive oil" and "extra virgin olive oil?"

Question

as the question states! =)

Answer 1

The short answer is that Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a higher quality.

Here are some of the "grades" of Olive Oil:

    * Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) comes from cold pressing of the olives, contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and is judged to have a superior taste. Extra-virgin and virgin olive oil may not contain refined oil.

    * Virgin olive oil has an acidity less than 2%, and is judged to have a good taste.

    * Pure olive oil. Oils labeled as Pure olive oil or Olive oil are usually a blend of refined and virgin or extra-virgin oil.

    * Olive oil is a blend of virgin oil and refined oil, of no more than 1.5% acidity. It commonly lacks a strong flavor.

    * Olive-pomace oil is a blend of refined pomace olive oil and possibly some virgin oil. It is fit for consumption, but may not be described simply as olive oil. Olive-pomace oil is rarely sold at retail; it is often used for certain kinds of cooking in restaurants.

    * Lampante oil is olive oil not suitable as food; lampante comes from olive oil's long-standing use in oil-burning lamps. Lampante oil is mostly used in the industrial market.

Answer 2

extra virgin olive oil has a little stronger taste to it.

=]

Answer 3

extra virgin olive oil is only pressed once, while regular olive oil is pressed several times. extra virgin olive oil is better quality.