(by 5 people)
Olive Oil for our health and palate!
Olive oil has always been the most important oil used in cooking and foods in Europe and North Africa. Over the past few years, olive oil has gained popularity in the United States as well.
Research has proven that olive oil also has medicinal qualities for lowering cholesterol and possible preventing certain types of cancer. With the health benefits alone, why wouldn't everyone use it in their daily cooking!
History of Olive Oil
Olive oil was called "liquid gold" by Homer. It was used by ancient athletes in Greece who rubbed it over their body. They also used the leafy branches to crown the winners of war and games. Olives are actually a fruit.The olive tree dates back to approximately 20 million years in Livorno,Italy although the cultivation of olives did not happen until about the 5th century B.C. in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean.
While establishing missions in California, the Franciscans planted olive groves. Many of the olive groves still exist in California. Most are in Northern California.
Great Stuff on CafePress
The Healing Powers of Olive Oil: A Complete Guide To Nature's Liquid Gold
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 11/21/2008) 
The Flavors of Olive Oil: A Tasting Guide and Cookbook
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 11/21/2008)
Olive Oil: From Tree to Table
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/21/2008)
Olive Oil Baking: Healthy Recipes That Increase Good Cholesterol and Reduce Saturated Fats
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/21/2008)
Types of Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil comes from cold pressing of the olives, contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and is judged to have a superior taste. It is considered the finest and fruitiest of all olive oils and that is why it is the most expensive.
Generally, the deeper the color the more intense the flavor of olive oil. After extra virgin, olive oils are classified in terms of acidity.
Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil is from the second press, with a slightly higher level of acidity of between 1 and 3 percent.
Pure Olive Oil
This is oil that has a bit of processing such as filtering and refining. Often times they take refined olive oil and add a little extra virgin grade olive oil to get it better quality.
Extra Light Olive Oil
This is the oil that gets the most refining and processing and only has a little bit of olive flavor, hence the "extra light" grade.
Light Olive Oil
This is not really considered olive oil and is more of a marketing technique.
Olive Oil Lovers
Davetee wrote...
What would we do without the blessed Olive Oil. It's almost harvest time here so it will be out with the nets and the big sticks soon! Learn how tocure olives and more on my squidoo page.
Posted October 11, 2008
bwcabound wrote...
We use olive oil in all our cooking, since I am married to a full blooded Italian we have nothing but olive oil in our cabinet.
http://www.squidoo.com/bwcabound
Posted October 01, 2008
TeaLady wrote...
I like to use olive oil, also. Did you know most of the olive oil sold in the United States isn't really olive oil but something else passed off as "extra-virgin." How do you tell if it's really olive oil? Olive Oil Scam.
Posted September 12, 2008
Kyanisunrise wrote...
I have diabetes and I switch from butter to olive oil. I use it in everything I cook. I have tried several brands and the more expensive is worth the price.
Posted September 06, 2008
poutine wrote...
I can't say I love the taste of olive oil. Maybe I should try a little harder.
Poutine
Posted August 31, 2008
