Extra virgin olive oil: what really defines quality

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) represents the highest category among olive oils. This is not a marketing claim but a classification regulated by European law, with precise chemical and sensory criteria.

Specifically, extra virgin is the natural juice of the olive obtained solely by mechanical processes. It is neither refined, corrected, nor blended to mask any defects.

How is it obtained?

The process is simple but demanding:

-Olive harvesting

-Rapid crushing after picking

-Malaxation of the paste

-Centrifugation to extract the oil

The temperature is controlled (≤27 °C to be labeled "cold extracted") to preserve aromas and natural compounds.

What makes it "extra virgin"?

To achieve this category, the oil must meet two major requirements:

1. Strict chemical criteria

-Acidity ≤ 0.8%

-Oxidation indices compliant with standards

-Absence of detectable alterations in the laboratory

2. Flawless sensory evaluation
An official tasting panel must confirm the total absence of defects (rancid, winey, fermented, etc.) and the presence of a perceptible fruitiness.

Slight bitterness and pungency are not defects. They indicate the presence of polyphenols, natural antioxidants that provide stability and character.

What determines quality?

The actual quality depends on precise technical decisions:

-The sanitary condition of the olives

-The time between harvest and extraction

-Temperature control

-The variety used (Picual, Arbequina…)

-The harvest time

An early harvest—generally between October and early November in regions like Jaén—yields fresher, greener oils richer in antioxidant compounds. The yield is lower, but the quality is superior.

Our commitment at Portoli

At Portoli, we work with extra virgin olive oils produced in Jaén (Spain), one of the world's leading territories for olive cultivation, particularly for the Picual variety.

We select olives harvested at their optimal point of maturity and processed quickly to preserve their chemical and sensory qualities. Our approach is based on:

-Technical rigor

-Traceability from origin

-Respect for the product

We also have direct stock and distribution in Belgium, guaranteeing freshness, logistical control, and proximity to our customers.

A true extra virgin must be transparent in its origin and demanding in its elaboration. Without artifice, without compromise.