Extra virgin olive oil is much more than a simple cooking fat, it is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, a powerhouse of nutrition, and an ingredient that transforms meals with its depth of flavour. At Vezorla, we are passionate about sharing the richness of our Andalusian groves with homes across Canada and the USA, helping people understand how to choose, use, and enjoy olive oil in the best way possible.

The Flavours of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Not all olive oils taste the same. The flavour of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) depends on the olive variety, the ripeness at harvest, and the production methods. Broadly, EVOO is classified into three main styles, each offering unique uses in the kitchen:

1. Mild, Light, or Delicate, like Vezorla Picual Traditional. 

This style of EVOO is crafted from carefully selected olives that result in subtle and versatile flavours. It often carries notes of ripe fruit and tropical aromas, with very low bitterness. Because it doesn’t overpower other ingredients, it’s perfect for stir-frying, baking (as a butter replacement), or sautéing when you want other flavours in the dish to shine. 

2. Medium or Classic.

Medium EVOO is a true all-rounder, full of fruity aromas with a balanced touch of bitterness and pungency. It has hints of both ripe and green fruit, making it ideal for everyday cooking—grilling, roasting vegetables, dressing salads, or simply dipping bread. If you’re new to olive oil, this is often the easiest place to start, as it adapts to nearly every dish.

3. Robust, like Vezorla Picual Early Harvest. 

For those who love bold flavour, robust EVOO brings a peppery kick with firm bitterness. It enhances hearty meals like roasts, stews, and casseroles, but it also shines when drizzled over fresh salads or used in marinades. This type of extra virgin olive oil is for those who appreciate intensity and depth on the palate.

How to use it:

• Cook veggies with EVOO → One spoon per cup of vegetables makes them tastier and helps your body absorb nutrients.
  
• Instead of butter/margarine → Spread on bread or dip crusty baguette slices in olive oil.
  
• Homemade salad dressing → Mix EVOO with lemon juice, and herbs.
  
• Swap butter in baking → Replace butter with EVOO for softer, healthier cakes, cookies, or breads.
  
• Healthy sweet snack → Pour EVOO on orange slices and add a touch of cinnamon.
• Scrambled eggs → Whisk EVOO into eggs instead of milk for a silky texture.
• Marinades → Use EVOO as the base for meat and seafood marinades.

How to Store Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To enjoy EVOO at its best, proper storage is key. The quality of olive oil is sensitive to four main factors: oxygen, temperature, light, and time. That’s why at Vezorla, we package our oils in dark glass bottles and tins that protect the oil from light exposure. We also bottled in 5L jugs of PET which is a plastic for food containers, we keep it in the case so it never see the light until it is used. 

Here are some essential tips for keeping your oil fresh:

• Know the variety: Oxidation in olive oil begins as soon as the olive is harvested, which is why variety plays such a big role in shelf life. Some varieties contain more polyphenols, the natural antioxidants that protect the oil. For example, Picual, the star variety of Vezorla, has one of the highest polyphenol counts in the world. This makes it naturally more stable, giving it a shelf life of up to 24 months when stored correctly. Other delicate varieties with lower polyphenols should usually be enjoyed sooner, often within 12–18 months.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Avoid direct sunlight and heat, your pantry is ideal.
• Check freshness: If the oil tastes rancid, musty, or has a vinegary smell, it’s no longer “extra virgin.” A true EVOO should feel clean, vibrant, and crisp in the mouth.

The Vezorla Promise

At Vezorla, we bring you olive oil directly from our centenary trees in Andalusia, Spain, ensuring authentic flavour and unmatched quality. Whether you choose delicate, medium, or robust EVOO, you are not just cooking, you are connecting with a tradition rooted in health, flavour, and family.

By understanding the flavour profiles and proper storage of extra virgin olive oil, you can make the most of every drop, turning everyday meals into unforgettable experiences.