What does the color of EVOOS mean?

When we describe an extra virgin olive oil, its characteristic intense green color always comes to mind. However, within the different varieties of EVOO on the market we can find a wide range of shades ranging from green to golden tones.

Contrary to popular belief, the color of EVOO does not determine its quality nor does it influence the extra virgin certification process.

For this purpose, blue or red oil tasting glasses are used, which prevent the color of the oil from being seen, and only smell and taste are used to determine its quality.

However, in recent years, the possibility of using a new classification system is being studied, since consumers use color as a determining factor in the purchase of the product.

Therefore, from Aceites Heraldo we want to explain to EVOO lovers all the secrets related to color and its different meanings.

What determines the color of EVOO?

There are several factors that determine the color ranges of extra virgin olive oil:

• Olive variety.
• The time of harvesting.
• The elaboration process.
• Whether the oil is filtered or not.
• The pigments of the olive.

Of all these, the pigments present in the olives are responsible for the definitive color of the EVOO:

• If it has a high level of chlorophyll and pheophytins, the olives will obtain a more greenish color.
• If it has more carotenes and xanthophylls than chlorophyll, the olives will have a color between yellow and golden.

All these quantities of the different pigments will be conditioned by the degree of maturation of the olive.

As for the filtering of the oil, this will eliminate some impurities that may have remained during the harvesting of the olive. Therefore, if the oil is filtered, it will have cleaner and shinier tones than if it is not filtered.

Why does the color of extra virgin olive oil change?

If you are a regular consumer of extra virgin olive oil, you may have noticed a change in the color of the product.

The change in color of EVOO is mainly due to the passage of time, since, as we have already mentioned, the oil loses its chlorophyll level, going from green tones to more golden ones.

In addition, if the oil is exposed to the sun’s rays or is located near hot areas in the kitchen, this change in pigmentation is accelerated.

Therefore, it is always advisable to keep our extra virgin olive oils in a safe place: in opaque containers and away from sunlight.

Enjoy the best EVOO, regardless of its color.

Whether it is green or yellow, the color of the EVOO does not influence the enjoyment of the benefits of the liquid gold.

That is why in Aceites Heraldo you will find a huge catalog of extra virgin olive oils to buy, in different shades and with the highest quality.