Title: Olive oil prices can be high: Does how much it cost matter?| Well+Good
Headings: When Shopping for the Best, Healthiest Olive Oil, How Much Does Price Really Matter?
When Shopping for the Best, Healthiest Olive Oil, How Much Does Price Really Matter?
Photo: Getty Images/jchizhe
“In terms of price, buying olive oil is not unlike buying wine”
What the world’s most expensive olive oil producers have to say
How to sample olive oil like a sommelier

Content: This will be reflected in the price.” Like Profaci, she says that olive oils with a certification will indicate that they’ve been tested and up to snuff. And she also agrees that it often comes down to a personal taste preference. “ [ Olive oils] go from a mild taste profile to a robust one with strong peppery and bitter undertones,” she says. “ The aromas vary considerably as well and can be quite complex in some very fine olive oils that have a high degree of fruitiness.” She also says that growing methods, degree of ripeness when the olives are harvested, and pressing methods can affect the taste, too. When it comes to sampling olive oil like a sommelier, the biggest tip is to try it on its own. Pour a tablespoon into a wine glass, give it a little swirl to release the aromas, and inhale deeply before taking a sip. “ Contrary to common consumer belief, a bitter or peppery taste in the olive oil does not mean the olive oil is bad, but is actually an indicator that it’s high in polyphenol antioxidants that are very supportive of human health,” Liakou says. The bottom line is that you can find a healthy olive oil at a variety of price points.