Best Quality Olive Oil in Israel
Olive oil is the most used condiment in most cookery and deep frying. Not only does it add flavor to the food but it offers its nutritional benefits as well. Derived from mashed or pressed olives, olive oil is well known for its distinct aroma and flavor. Olive oil is versatile and can be used in many different cooking manners, including sauteing, stir frying, in marinades, or simply used as a dip for bread. Most olive oil comes in virgin, extra virgin, pure and light versions. Virgin means that no chemicals were used in the process of extracting the oil from the fruit. Extra virgin means that the olive oil has undergone several tests to confirm its taste and to verify that it is free of defects. Light olive oil is not pure virgin olive oil. This form is a blend of pomade olive oil, which is olive oil that is extracted from the fruit using heat and chemicals, and virgin olive oil.
Olives are
considered fruits. In their natural form, olives are very bitter and nearly
inedible. They get their distinctively amazing flavor from brine or oil. Containing
only 33% of saturated fat as suppose to butter that is composed of 66%
saturated fat, olive oil is proven to be the healthier option and more
recommended. Olive oil has no cholesterol, while a serving of butter has 33mg
of cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil contains some of the highest amounts of
monounsaturated fats compared to other oils. These fats actually help lower a
person’s total cholesterol level and LDL cholesterol level, or bad cholesterol.
When used in moderation, olive oil provides more health benefits than negative
health issues.
The use of
olive oil dates back to the times of the Second Temple. Olive oil is the only
fuel allowed to be used in the seven-branched Menorah (not a candelabrum since
the use of candles was not allowed) in the Mishkan service during the Exodus of
the tribes of Israel from Egypt, and later in the permanent Temple in
Jerusalem. It was obtained by using only the first drop from a squeezed olive
and was consecrated for use only in the Temple by the priests, which is where
the expression pure olive oil originates, stored in special containers. Another use of oil in Jewish religion is for
anointing the kings of the Kingdom of Israel, originating from King David.
Tzidkiyahu was the last anointed King of Israel. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches use olive
oil for the Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick oil mixed with a perfuming
agent such as balsam is consecrated by bishops as Sacred Chrism, which is used
to confer the sacrament of Confirmation in the rites of Baptism and the
ordination of priests and bishops, in the consecration of altars and churches,
and, traditionally, in the anointing of monarchs at their coronation.
Olives are
popular and one of the most consumed fruits in Israel. Almost every Israeli cuisine
consists of olives. When it comes to shopping for olive oil in Israel, you can
find every brand you are looking for at your local supermarket or Farmer’s
Market. Below are several lists of the
most popular Israeli olive oil brands:
Halutza Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Produced in the Negev on groves purchased in 1940 by the Revivim pioneers, these elegant dark bottles contain some of the best tasting olive oil in the world. This premium oil has won first place awards in both Israel and Italy for its quality and unique fruity flavor. Irrigated with water from underground desert aquifers, and grown in a remote, pollution-free area, Halutza has more Vitamin E than most oils, and rivals the finest Tuscany oils for its health benefits. It is very low in acid and high in antioxidants. It is excellent for dipping.
HALUTZA Organic Olive Oil
This brand of oil is certified as organic by USDA. It does not contain chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Produced in the Negev, and grown in a remote, pollution-free area. Contains more Vitamin E than most oils, and rivals the finest Tuscany oils for its health benefits and taste. It is very low in acid and high in antioxidants. It is excellent for dipping.
Gaya Olive Oil
This brand of olive oil is produced in the Galilee by Evo Israel. The olives are cold pressed. It contains a maximum of 0.8% acidity. It is cholesterol and sodium free.
Kidmat Galil Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is a quality oil from the Galilee, produced by Evo, Israel. Cold pressed. Maximum acidity 0.8%. This brand of olive oil is cholesterol and sodium-free food. This is the same product as "Gaya" Olive Oil, but with a different label.