Since ya’ll loved our previous posts about oil, we are going to share the differences between unfiltered vs filtered olive oil. While the differences between the two may seem small, the choice can have a big impact on the taste, health benefits, and shelf life of your olive oil and the meals you prepare with it.
Unfiltered vs Filtered Olive Oil. What is the difference. Which olive oil is better for you?
Let’s discuss the main differences between these different types of olive oil, and how to decide which one is best for your recipe:
What is Filtered Olive Oil?
Filtered olive oil (FOO) is a type of olive oil that has been processed to remove certain impurities and sediment.
It’s a high-quality form of oil that’s considered to be one of the healthiest cooking oils available.
Filtered olive oil is made using a process of filtration that removes any unwanted olive particles, like sediment, bacteria, and other impurities, from the oil. This process helps to improve the flavor, quality, and the oil’s shelf life.
Filtered olive oil is a rich source of polyphenols. Polyphenols are the beneficial compounds found in plants that can help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve overall health.
FOO is also high in monounsaturated fat, fatty acids that help to reduce the risk of heart disease. The oil also contains a variety of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from free radical damage.
Overall, filtered olive oil is a healthy cooking oil that has a variety of health benefits.
It is a good choice for those who are looking to improve their health, as it has a fairly high concentration of beneficial compounds and nutrients.
What is Unfiltered Olive Oil?
Unfiltered olive oil (UOO) is a type of oil made from pressed olives that are left unfiltered. This means it hasn’t been refined and still contains some tiny particles of the olive fruit.
It’s a higher quality of oil when comparing it to filtered olive oil, because it contains more antioxidants and vitamins than filtered varieties.
Unfiltered oil has a more intense aroma and fresher flavor than filtered oil, and its color is usually a little bit darker as well.
UOO is more expensive due to its higher quality, and because the filtering process can be really time-consuming.
The unfiltered oil is created by pressing olives to extract the oil from the fruit.
It is then left without any additional processing, which allows it to retain all the nutrients and antioxidants naturally present in the olives. This also results in a strong flavor profile and aroma, as well as a slightly darker color.
Unfortunately, this also leaves it with a shorter shelf life and a cloudy appearance that some people don’t like.
Unfiltered olive oil has numerous health benefits. Many of the same benefits as filtered olive oil. However, during the filtration process, filtered oil loses some of its quality for health purposes.
Unfiltered olive oil is an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are known to help reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.
UOO is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage caused by free radicals. Plus, unfiltered olive oil contains vitamins E and K, which are important for bone health, and oleic acid, which can help reduce inflammation.
Unfiltered Vs Filtered Olive Oil: Which is Better For Your Health?
An unfiltered olive oil is generally thought to be better for your health than filtered olive oil.
Unfiltered olive oil retains its antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins. All of which are known to provide numerous health benefits. It also has a stronger flavor and aroma than filtered olive oil, making it more desirable for cooking.
On the other hand, filtered olive oil is more stable and has a longer shelf life.
The oil stability of filtered oil is important to a lot of people, because they may not use a whole bottle of olive oil very quickly. The rest of the olive oil that goes unused will not oxidize quickly.
Filtered oil also has a milder flavor and aroma, making it more suitable for certain recipes. While filtered olive oil may provide some health benefits, it may lack some of the beneficial compounds found in its unfiltered counterpart.
Ultimately, the choice is a matter of personal preference. However, the best option in terms of health benefits seems to be to choose extra virgin, cold-pressed, and organic olive oil because it is the least processed and has the highest quality.
What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Extra virgin olive oil, also known as EVOO, is considered the best olive oil and the best choice overall.
It’s a more natural product, because it is minimally processed during the extraction process. It’s higher in phenolic compounds, which is where the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in olive oil come from.
Filter and unfiltered extra virgin olive oil are both made from pure, cold-pressed olives, whereas regular olive oil is a blend, including both cold-pressed and processed oils.
Keep in mind, the unfiltered EVOO will last a shorter amount of time on your shelf than the filtered one.
Considering the price of some unfiltered oils, you will probably want to get top quality with the longest shelf life.
A good extra virgin olive oil has a superior flavor, with a fruity, peppery, or grassy taste. It also has a higher level of antioxidants and a lower level of oleic acid, which gives it a lower smoke point than regular olive oil.
10 Ways to Add Olive Oil to Your Diet
1. Drizzle olive oil over salads or steamed vegetables.
2. Use olive oil in homemade salad dressings and sauces.
3. Make homemade hummus with olive oil.
4. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to smoothies.
5. Make healthy, oven-baked chips by tossing sliced vegetables with a bit of olive oil and salt.
6. Use olive oil to sauté or stir-fry vegetables.
7. Dip crusty bread into a bowl of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs.
8. Mix olive oil and fresh herbs to make a flavorful marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
9. Substitute olive oil for butter when baking.
10. Drizzle olive oil over popcorn for a delicious snack.
Popular Extra Virgin Olive Oil Brands:
Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:
12 Benefits of Drinking Olive Oil Before Bed
Health Benefits of Garlic and Honey
