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What's the difference between extra-virgin, virgin and regular olive oil? |
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 Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a type of virgin olive oil. It is produced from olives, solely by mechanical processes, under specific temperature requirements, that do not lead to its alteration or deterioration. Any treatment other than washing, decantation, centrifugation or filtration is not acceptable. It is always cold extracted (using a centrifugal or percolation process) or cold pressed (using a hydraulic press process). Extra Virgin Olive Oil must pass a wide range of chemical tests, including one for maximum acidity, in terms of oleic free fatty acid of not more than 0.8 percent; and, the oil must be defect-free with olive fruitiness, according to a blind sensory evaluation by certified olive oil taste panel experts.
Virgin Olive Oil has the same requirements as Extra Virgin; however, its free acidity cannot be more than 2 percent and there may be minor defects.
Olive Oil is a blend of refined and Extra Virgin or Virgin Olive Oil. Refined means that defects, found in the base oil, are removed by charcoal or other chemical and physical filters. |
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What is first cold pressed? |
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First cold pressed is an antiquated term. Since the vast majority of olive oil is made in continuous centrifugal presses, there is no second pressing. |
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What are a couple of your favorite beauty uses for olive oil? |
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I have several favorite beauty uses for olive oil. They are listed in the book. However, one of my favorite uses is to exfoliate with an olive oil salt glow. Mix ½ cup extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon (or more) of coarse sea salt. Using this olive oil scrub will make your skin feel smooth instantly. Another favorite use is to remove eye makeup. Extra virgin olive oil is so pure and non-irritating that you can safely use it around the eyes. |
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As massage oil, I don’t really like the smell. Can I add scented oils? What do you recommend? |
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You can use your favorite essential oils; for example. I like to use drops of geranium, lavender or chamomile essential oils for a relaxing massage and drops of peppermint essential oil for a more revitalizing massage. Experiment and let me know your favorites. |
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Can olive oil be used on antiques instead furniture polish? |
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Yes, olive oil can remove stains and restore shine and the natural luster to antique furniture. You may wish to mix it with lemon juice (1/2 cup lemon juice to 1 cup olive oil) and put it in a spray bottle. After spraying, make sure you wipe it with a clean, dry soft cloth. |
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What type of olive oil is the best for cleaning? What type is best for moisturizing? |
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I recommend using a less expensive olive oil for cleaning. For anything in and on the body (including your pets), I recommend extra virgin olive oil. For moisturizing, you may wish to use specific cultivars (types of olives) that contain the highest amount of polyphenols and alpha tocophenols, for example the Koroneiki or Picual. |
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What should most people know about olive oil (but take for granted)? |
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While olive oil is mainly thought of as a culinary condiment, the uses of olive oil are legendary. From ancient times to the present, people have used olive oil for medicine, for magic, for light, for beautification rituals and religious practices. |
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What are some of olive oil's little known health benefits? |
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There are benefits from ingesting olive oil and for its topical use. Some little known benefits include:
- Olive oil is an antioxidant, being rich in vitamins and polyphenols, and has anti-aging properties
- It can calm the stomach and help the digestive tract
- Topically, it can suffocate ticks and smother head lice
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