---
title: Olive Oil 101
description: What is the difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil? Here's an overview presented by the North American Olive Oil Association.
---

[North American Olive Oil Association ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org)

# [Olive Oil 101](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/olive-oil-101)

 Written by [About Olive Oil](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/author/about-olive-oil) | September 9, 2022

## Here's a visual guide to buying, storing and purchasing olive oil.

| ## *Olive Oil 101* ### Presented by the North American Olive Oil Association |  |
| --- | --- |
| **About Extra Virgin Olive Oil** - High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, has full complement of naturally occurring antioxidants and polyphenols - Produced through natural crushing of olives without heat or chemicals - 100% extra virgin olive oil - Broad range of fruity flavors and aromas | **About Olive Oil** - High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, has some antioxidants and polyphenols - Produced through natural crushing of olives and then refined; no solvents used - A blend of refined olive oil and extra virgin/ virgin olive oil - Mild, neutral flavors, more like vegetable oils; ‘light-tasting’ is most neutral |
| **Uses** - Sautéing, grilling, roasting, baking, pan frying, deep frying - Drizzling, dipping, dressings and marinades | **Uses** - Sautéing, grilling, roasting, baking, pan frying, deep frying - Dressings and marinades |
| **Tip** Delicious used raw as a condiment or in cooking, versatile extra virgin olive oil makes food taste better. Pair different EVOOs with dishes to explore what you like best. | **Tip** Perfect for meal preparation when more neutral flavors are preferred. Excellent substitute for butter, margarine and other more highly-processed neutral oils. |
| #### STORING OLIVE OILS? REMEMBER "HOLA": Heat, Oxygen, Light, Age Avoid heat, air and light to prolong the shelf life and maintain quality of olive oil. Heat - Store olive oil away from major heat sources, like the stove or oven. Oxygen - Always store olive oil in a bottle with a cap or seal, as air exposure can affect taste. Light - Store olive oil away from windows and fluorescent lighting. Age - Shelf life for olive oil is no more than two years from bottling.  |  |
| #### BOTTOM LINE Pay attention to best-before dates when purchasing olive oil. Store in a dark, cool place and use within a few months of opening the bottle. Harvest date, if available, also provides useful information, especially for raw uses. To download a PDF version of this page, click [Olive Oil Guide](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/Olive%20Oil%20101.pdf). |  |

[View full post](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/olive-oil-101)

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