Olive oil: the elixir of health, taste and... massage?

If there were a contest for the world's most versatile liquid, olive oil would take its place of honor alongside water, coffee, and perhaps gasoline.

Not only does it make food taste better, but it manages to be useful, cosmetically magical and even therapeutic.

Today, let's find out what types of olive oil there are and where it's best to pour it (or not).


Types of olive oil and their culinary purpose:

-Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a gourmet's best friend and enemy of high temperatures.

It is a first cold-pressed oil with no chemical processing.

The flavor is rich, herbaceous and fruity, sometimes with a bitterness.

Perfect for salads, bruschetta, sauces, pesto, hummus, and even ice cream! (Yes, try a drop on vanilla - you'll be surprised).

Does not like frying - loses its flavor and health benefits at high temperatures.


-Virgin Olive Oil - Extra Virgin's little brother, but no less worthy.

Slightly less flavorful, but also natural oil of the first pressing.

Great for braising, baking and marinades.

Can be used in salads if you don't want too much bright flavor.


-Pure Olive Oil (aka just Olive Oil) is humble and versatile.

A blend of refined oil and a small amount of Virgin Olive Oil.

It has a more neutral flavor than EVOO, but still has an olive note.

Good for frying, baking, pasta making and sauces where you don't want a harsh flavor.


-Pomace Olive Oil is the Cinderella of oils.

Produced from olive oil cake (residue of olive pressing) by extraction and refining.

In cooking, it is used for deep frying and deep frying - it can withstand high temperatures.

In restaurants, it is loved for its economy: for example, it is ideal for French fries.


Olive oil outside the kitchen:

Just when you think olive oil is only about food, it suddenly appears in the most unexpected places.

Cosmetology: Hair masks, moisturizers, cuticle oils and even makeup remover - EVOO does just as well as expensive products.

Massages: Some spas use Pomace Olive Oil - it's cheap, but it's great for nourishing the skin.

Pharmaceuticals: It is used in ointments, vitamin capsules and even some syrups.

Wood and Leather: Olive Oil can refresh wooden furniture and restore luster to leather goods (hello, old boots!).

Grandma's Lifehacks: Grease a squeaky door? Rub gum off your hair? There's even olive oil for that!


Conclusion:

Olive oil is more than just a product. It takes care of our body, makes food tastier, saves skin and even fixes furniture. The key is to choose the right kind of oil for the right purpose.

Now be honest: have you also wanted to dip fresh bread in fragrant Extra Virgin?)


Then here's a recipe for a simple but divinely delicious dish: try bruschetta with tomatoes and basil:

1. Slice baguette or ciabatta, toast on a dry pan or in the oven until crispy.

2. Rub warm bread with garlic.

3. Dice ripe tomatoes, add chopped basil, salt, pepper and a generous portion of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

4. Spread the tomato mixture on the bread and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.