An Italian chef has shared her three golden rules for buying olive oil – and they’re so easy to remember. It should prevent you from ending up with oil that isn’t authentic or good quality
Follow these three steps next time you buy olive oil(Image: Oscar Wong via Getty Images)
An Italian chef has revealed the three essential rules you should adhere to when buying olive oil. Culinary expert Roberta revealed that many people unknowingly purchase oil that lacks authenticity or proper quality.
In a revealing TikTok clip, she explained: “I’ll explain how to choose the real Italian olive oil. Many times, the extra virgin olive oil we find in supermarkets seems Italian, but in reality, it is a mixture of olive oils from several countries.
“So keep an eye on these three things – first, it must clearly say ‘extra virgin olive oil’. Second, look for the country of origin. If it doesn’t say the country, it can be a mixture of very low quality.
“Third, always check the harvest date. If only the expiration date appears, the olive oil can be old.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Alongside her three recommendations, Roberta encouraged food enthusiasts to purchase olive oil that arrives in dark-toned packaging.
She continued: “Another key detail: always choose a dark bottle or tin, as the light damages the oil.”
Roberta is spot-on with this guidance – as light exposure, particularly sunlight or intense artificial light, can cause olive oil to deteriorate more rapidly.
This happens through a mechanism known as oxidation, which leads to diminished flavour, fragrance, and nutritional value.
Dark-toned bottles (such as green or brown glass) or non-transparent containers shield against much of the damaging light, helping to maintain the oil’s freshness, taste, and health properties for an extended duration.
For optimal quality, keep olive oil stored in a cool, dark location and ensure you seal the bottle securely after each use.
People praised Roberta for the helpful advice – and her brief TikTok video has attracted over 1,900 likes along with numerous encouraging responses.
One viewer enthused: “I love you so much, chef Roberta.” Another commented: “You have my respect!”.
What’s more, some followers have even expressed their desire to visit Roberta at her restaurant – Aroma Roma – which is situated in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Dining and Cooking