Listen to this articleBelow is our recent interview with Patricia Darragh, Executive Director at California Olive Oil Council:
Q: How did the COOC start?
A: A small group of growers in the Napa/Sonoma got together to discuss how they could work together to gain more knowledge and grow the olive oil industry. COOC was established in 1992..
Q: What is the official definition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
A: Extra Virgin is the highest grade an olive oil can receive. The oil’s chemistry, tested in a laboratory, meets or exceeds 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. Extra Virgin also denotes that the oil is free of defects in flavor or odor. This is evaluated by a trained sensory panel and cannot be detected by laboratory tests.
Q: What are qualities do you look for in an olive oil before giving the COOC seal of approval?
A: We have rigorous program designed to provide consumers and retailers with the highest grade of olive oil. Requirements include: chemistry, blind tasting by a recognized panel (COOC) and legally binding documents. The certification process is an annual requirement for all members.
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Q: What are some myths about EVOO?
A: 1. Just because the bottles say extra virgin olive oil does not mean that is the grade in the bottle. Consumers need to know what to look for. (harvest date, dark bottle,
2. Olive oil is an ingredient, not just for use as a finishing oil. You can use it for roasting, sautéing, baking and even deep frying.
3. You can tell real extra virgin olive oil by refrigerating it. (NO).
4. Like wine, evoo gets better with age. (NO) Olive oil is a fresh fruit juice.
5. You can’t cook with EVOO on high heat. Not true. You can safely cook with evoo up to 410⁰ F
6. When you see first-cold pressed on a label, you can be sure you are buying evoo. (NO) – First cold pressed is a marketing tool. Most oils today are not pressed, instead they are extracted gently via centrifuge.
Q: What does the COOC seal on a bottle of EVOO mean to consumers?
A: 1. Stricter standards than international requirements
2. 100 % Extra Virgin grade olive oil
3. 100% of olives are California grown
4. Mandatory, stringent chemical and sensory analysis for each harvest
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Q: What is the goal of the COOC?
A: The COOC’S goal is to continue to be the premier supporter and advocate for small to large growers and producers that craft specialty EVOO, as well as service providers and industry specialists that support the production and consumption of California EVOO. The COOC will continue to advocate for the most stringent testing of EVOOs, upholding the highest standards for olive oil quality, while promoting truth in labeling.
The COOC is committed to upholding the highest standards within the olive oil industry through its Seal Certification Program.
Q: Can you tell me what sets COOC oils apart from other EVOO brands?
A: Put simply, when you see a bottle with the COOC sticker, you can be assured that what you are purchasing is extra virgin olive oil.
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