What are some tips for buying a high quality olive oil?

I've been using an organic one from Trader Joe's that I absolutely LOVE...but since there are no stores in this state and I'm running out, I need to find an alternative.





*Rather than just giving me some brand names, can you help me identify what to look for on the bottle? (ie Where the olives come from, where the oil is produced, any added ingredients, type of bottle, etc.)


*Is price always a good indication of quality?


*Is it possible to find a decent EV olive oil at the grocery store, or should I look somewhere else?


*And if yes to the latter, where?





I use this not only in cooking, but also as part of my salad dressings, so taste is a big factor here. I've tried some that tasted like garbage.





Thanks for the help!What are some tips for buying a high quality olive oil?
All you need to know about olive oil:


for extra virgin...


Less than 1% acidity


First press or cold press


Use for salads and breads


Only use for cooking if it is a major flavor component


Use pure olive oil for saute





You can find good olive oil at the store. You don't want added ingredients, you want it free from any additives. Also remember the two things that make olive oil go bad are light and heat. If your olive oil is coming in a dark bottle, there's a good chance that company knows that they are doing. Don't just go by price, just try around until you find one you like.





I can't stress this enough, but extra virgin olive oil is not made for cooking. No matter what you may think, it can be worse to use than pure. First of all, it has a low smoke point so there's a good chance that you'll burn it or any flavor out before you even get your food in the pan. Pure olive oil will keep its flavor better. I know a lot of people think they are purists since they will only use EV olive oil, but not only is it a waste of money, it's a waste of taste. There is absolutely no benefit to cooking with it (unless it's a major component, such as pasta with garlic and oil).





If you want to compare that with something, if you had a $500 bottle of bordeaux, would you rather cook with that, or save that for drinking? It's the same with EV olive oil...cook with the pure, save the EV for flavor in its raw state.





And to remove any misunderstandings from my statement, I am not saying not to cook with a low quality olive oil, I am just saying to use pure, you can use as high of a quality of that as you can find.What are some tips for buying a high quality olive oil?
First of all, you shouldn't use a good quality olive oil for cooking. The flavors will become bitter, and you are wasting money by doing that. Use a lesser quality oil for that. Price is not always a good indication. You can find a good one at grocery stores, depending on where you live. HEB, Harmons, Sunflower Farmer's Market, Whole Food, Trader Joe's. Those are all places that I know will have the good kind.





Look for cold pressed Virgin oil. Sometimes they will call it Extra Virgin. Just make sure it says cold pressed on it.
You'll have to go by taste. Buy, taste, judge... buy, taste, judge... and remember the ones that you like.





Being that different people like different things (you do know this, right?) you cannot have someone tell you an answer that will suffice.





Most stores have organic these days and they are generally better, in my opinion. Store brands are the worst, in my opinion. Price does not necessarily dictate quality or taste.





My favorite is Bella, carried by Publix. Of course many would disagree, as well as agree.
Use Virgin Olive Oil for drizzling only. Olive Oil can be used for cooking. DO NOT USE POMACE OLIVE OIL. It is made from the paste that's left after the pressing. It is used in some kinds of cooking in restaurants who want cheap oil and some people use it in candle making.


Spain, Italy and Greece have some of the finest olive oil in the world. Do not pay attention to brand names, it's all hype. Colors vary from light amber to deep green, and viscosity runs from light to heavy. It's a matter of choice. Forget the small ';gourmet'; oils that are very expensive and no better than the not so famous brands.