How to know the best types of olive oil? And how can it be used and consumed?

Olive oil is one of the most popular oils in the world, so choosing it correctly can affect the flavor and health benefits. Here are some points to help you know the best types of olive oil:

1. Choosing the type
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It is considered the best type because it contains a low percentage of acidity (less than 0.8%), and is produced using natural methods and without the use of chemicals.
- Virgin Olive Oil: It also contains low acidity, but it is considered lower quality than extra virgin oil.
- Refined Olive Oil: It is heat-treated and impurities are removed, which reduces its flavor and benefits.

2. Packaging and storage
- Choosing the packaging: Make sure to buy olive oil in dark glass or metal containers, as it protects it from light that can spoil the oil.
- Expiration date: Check the production date and expiration date. It is preferable to choose olive oil that has been recently produced.

3. Smell and taste
- Smell: Olive oil should have a fresh smell similar to olives. If it has a bad or moldy smell, it is of poor quality.
- Taste: Good olive oil has a distinctive taste and shows a fruity flavor with some bitterness and slight burning that indicates quality. If the oil tastes sour or unpleasant, avoid using it.

4. Source
- Producing countries: To choose the best types of olive oil, countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece are considered among the best for producing extra virgin olive oil.

5. Quality certificates
- Look for certificates and awards, such as the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certificate or other quality certificate that indicates the quality of the oil.

How to use and eat olive oil

1. As food
- Salads: Use olive oil as part of salad dressing for a rich flavor and health benefits.
- Cooking: You can use it as a cooking oil, but make sure not to heat it to high temperatures (use it in cold cooking or frying food quickly) to preserve its health benefits.

2. As an addition
- Dipping: Use olive oil as a dip sauce with bread to make a healthy and delicious snack.
- Meal preparation: You can use it to serve pasta dishes, main courses, and pizza.

3. As a treatment
- Moisturizing the skin: Olive oil can be used as a natural moisturizer for the skin and hair.
- Oral care: When used as a gargle, it can help improve oral health.

4. In vegetable preparation
- You can use it as cooking wood when preparing vegetable dishes, such as mixed vegetables, to add a distinctive flavor.