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I have had good luck with Pompeian. I'm allergic to soybean oil and will have a reaction within a couple of minutes if I consume it. I have reacted to some other olive oils, including some fancy ones, but have never had a problem with Pompeian.
Thanks, Kyle. I have a trip to TJ's coming up. I think I'll try Tunisian Olive Oil.
My usual favorite is that packaged by Giant Eagle Market District, the "gourmet" division of our local (Pittsburgh) chain. It has the best flavor and smell of any EVOO I've tried in the last five or ten years.
I do buy a bit of olive oil still - and I try to make sure it is an American brand for now because I felt I couldn't be sure any more what was in the bottle. But, I have become more addicted to Avocado oil lately so I buy a lot more of that than olive.
As for Costco .. I like Kirkland brands for many things but I think they got 'duped' in the watered-down honey scandal didn't they? That is only to say that I am pretty sure they are not intentionally duping anyone themselves but things happen - and they do try to sell cheaper than most when it comes to large quantities so not everything they sell is probably beyond reproach.
I would trust U.S. producers who are members of the California Olive Oil Council over most European suppliers.
Quote:
When you purchase olive oil with the COOC Seal of Certification, you know you are buying the best extra virgin olive oil made in California.
Let’s face it: many of the olive oils on the market today claim to be extra virgin, but aren’t. To give consumers confidence they are purchasing 100% extra virgin olive oil, the COOC created the COOC Seal Certification Program.
To meet the criteria for the COOC Seal, each producer must first submit a laboratory analysis which measures specific parameters that indicate the careful handling and storage of the olives and oil. No chemicals or extreme heat may be used during the extraction process.
Next, the oil is submitted to the COOC Taste Panel for sensory evaluation. This panel of certified tasters conducts a blind taste-test to ensure the oil is free of defects. Flavor defects indicate the use of poor quality olives, or that problems occurred during milling or storage. If olives are damaged (poor handling, moldy, frost), or they are not milled within 24 hours of being harvested, the oil will not be top quality (extra virgin). Milling at a high temperature (over 86°F) can also negatively impact flavor and quality. Only after the oil has passed both tests does it earn the right to display the COOC Seal. Purchasing olive oil with the COOC Seal means you are buying fresh, California-grown, 100% extra virgin olive oil — the healthiest and most delicious olive oil on the market today.
Here's a list of Olive Oils which carry the COOC seal, it's quite lengthy:
I do buy a bit of olive oil still - and I try to make sure it is an American brand for now because I felt I couldn't be sure any more what was in the bottle. But, I have become more addicted to Avocado oil lately so I buy a lot more of that than olive.
As for Costco .. I like Kirkland brands for many things but I think they got 'duped' in the watered-down honey scandal didn't they? That is only to say that I am pretty sure they are not intentionally duping anyone themselves but things happen - and they do try to sell cheaper than most when it comes to large quantities so not everything they sell is probably beyond reproach.
I have tried Avocado oil twice and was disappointed both times. It didn't seem to have any flavor. I checked to see where our Sam's oil comes from: sure enough it is for Italy.
As for Costco .. I like Kirkland brands for many things but I think they got 'duped' in the watered-down honey scandal didn't they? That is only to say that I am pretty sure they are not intentionally duping anyone themselves but things happen - and they do try to sell cheaper than most when it comes to large quantities so not everything they sell is probably beyond reproach.
This also explains why Costco switched to Greek olive oil for one year. Costco is committed to providing quality products at a low price for it's members. I don't "blindly trust" companies, nor do I think any company is "beyond reproach," but I do trust Costco to do the work and research to bring superior products to their locations.
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