According to European legislation, extra virgin is the top grade of olive oils. It has a superior level of health properties and flavour compared to virgin and refined olive oils. Mediterranean countries still produce more than 85% of olive oil globally, but the constant increase of demand for extra virgin olive oil has led to new cultivation and production in other areas of the world, including California, Australia, China, South Africa and South America. At the same time, olive oil’s sensory properties and health benefits are increasingly attracting the attention and interest of nutritionists, food processors, manufacturers and food services. Progress and innovation in olive cultivation, harvesting and milling technologies as well as in oil handling, storage and selling conditions make it possible to achieve even higher quality levels than those stipulated for extra virgin oils. As a consequence, a new segment – excellent extra virgin olive oils – is increasingly attracting the attention of the market and earning consumers’ preference. The Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Handbook provides a complete account of olive oil’s composition, health properties, quality, and the legal standards surrounding its production. The book is divided into convenient sections focusing on extra virgin olive oil as a product, the process by which it is made, and the process control system through which its quality is assured. An appendix presents a series of tables and graphs with useful data, including conversion factors, and the chemical and physical characteristics of olive oil. This book is aimed at people involved in the industrial production as well as in the marketing and use of extra virgin olive oil who are looking for practical information, which avoids overly academic language, but which is still scientifically and technically sound. The main purpose of the handbook is to guide operators involved in the extra virgin olive oil chain in making the most appropriate decisions about product quality and operating conditions in the production and distribution processes. To these groups, the most important questions are practical ones of why, how, how often, how much will it cost, and so on. The Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Handbook will provide the right answers to these key practical considerations, in a simple, clear yet precise and up-to-date way.

This book examines the latest research in olive oil. Topics included in this book include biomedicinal activities of olive oil phenolic compounds, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, endocrine, anticancer and central nervous system effects. Also, some insights related to bioavailability and synergistic activities are presented; a summary and critical analysis of the available information about phenolic compounds in VOO; the beneficial effects of phenolic compounds, contained in extra virgin olive oil, which have been reported in the last few years; an overview of different analytical approaches, including the most recent advances, and the difficulties regarding phenolic compounds determination in olive oil; olive oil wastes (OMW) characteristics, bio-valorisation potentialities and treatment options with regard to the economic feasibility, environmental regulations and challenges of existing waste disposal practices in olive-growing countries are discussed; the health effects of olive oil, including for the liver; a summary of the knowledge of the in vitro and in vivo effects of oleocanthal comparing, where available; the determinant factors that affect Japans olive oil imports; research on oleocanthal and its promising applications as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for several diseases; and an examination of the organic olive oil sector, demonstrating its importance in terms of wealth and economic impact.

This new olive oil handbook provides a wealth of detail about the analysis and properties of olives and their oil. It covers technological aspects and biochemistry, a description of detailed techniques, and an analysis of olive oil from the standpoint of general methodology.

Winner of the World Best Mediterranean Cuisine Book - the Dun Gifford Prize - in the Gourmand Best in World awards, also the National Best Diet Book in the 'for the public' category. 'Useful, attractive and captivating' Olive Oil Times Is it true that two tablespoons of olive oil a day can halve your risk of heart disease and help sustain weight loss? Can olive oil kill cancer cells, fight Alzheimer's Disease, revive a failing heart and even turn off bad genes? The Olive Oil Diet takes an authoritative look at the science behind the headlines. Recent studies have shown that a diet based around olive oil will significantly improve your health, well-being and vitality. It will also help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid heart disease, stroke and diseases such as cancer, diabetes and dementia. All olive oils are not the same, however. This book also explores the effects of diverse varieties of olives, growing techniques and oil-production methods on the health-giving properties - and flavour - of different oils. With over 100 delicious recipes, it points the way to those extra virgin oils and food combinations that are likely to do you the most good. This fascinating journey to the heart of the Mediterranean reveals the extraordinary health secrets of nature's original superfood.

Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos, hosts of the Cooking Channels's hit show Extra Virgin, bring together food, family, and style in a celebration of the pleasures of the rustic Italian table with 120 recipes for simple yet exquisite meals that are accessible, full of fresh flavor, and easy to prepare. Devi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos are ambassadors of contemporary Tuscan cooking. In Extra Virgin, Gabriele is a traditional Italian with a big heart, and Debi is an outgoing, brash New York City girl. Their sassy and playful exchanges illuminate what’s important in everyday life: good food and a lot of love. Ranging from traditional antipasti and soups to their spin on entrees, pizzas, and desserts, recipes include Pecorino and Honey Dip, a sweet and salty way to start a meal; tangy, luscious Grilled Apricots with Goat Cheese Ricotta, inspired by wild Tuscan apricot trees; and Sausage and Beans, which offers hints of fennel in a Tuscan red sauce. Here, too, are Braised Artichokes softened in guanciale-infused oil, Breakfast Pizza, and Coffee Granita just as Italians make it. So flag these recipes, get sauce on them, let splashes of olive oil mark the pages—and invite Debi and Gabriele’s charisma and passion for cooking to spill into your kitchen.