Did you know that Australia is home to more than 60 extra virgin olive oil producers, including one of the largest in the world? That’s right—our country is now producing EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) that matches, and in many cases exceeds, the quality of the best oils from around the globe.
Welcome to the Casa Olio blog! We’re Giuseppe and Liz—husband and wife, health enthusiasts, and passionate lovers of all things olive oil. Our mission is simple: to bring you the freshest, healthiest, and most flavourful Australian EVOO we can find. And in this post, we’re going to show you exactly why extra virgin olive oil is the only oil you should be using in your kitchen.
What Makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil So Special?
Let’s get one thing clear: not all olive oils are created equal. When it comes to health and flavour, only extra virgin olive oil should make it into your pantry. You’ve probably come across labels like “Olive Oil” or “Light Olive Oil” at the supermarket—but these are refined oils that have lost the natural antioxidants, nutrients, and rich flavours found in real EVOO.
Even worse, some so-called “olive oils” are mixed with cheaper seed oils or made from overripe or poor-quality olives. That’s not just misleading—it’s unhealthy.
Extra virgin olive oil is the gold standard. It’s the highest grade of olive oil, made simply by cold-pressing fresh olives with no chemicals or heat. That’s what gives EVOO its bold flavour, vibrant aroma, and powerful health benefits.
The Wide World of Olive Oil Varieties
Just like wine has Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, olive oil comes from many different varieties of olives. There are hundreds of cultivars grown around the world, but among the most common are:
- Frantoio
- Picual
- Hojiblanca
- Kalamata
- Koroneiki
Some oils are made from a single variety, which highlights a specific flavour profile, while others are expertly blended—just like a wine blend such as GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro). Blended EVOOs are just as exciting and offer a balanced flavour that’s versatile for many culinary uses.
We’ll be diving deeper into single-varietal, blended, and infused olive oils in future blog posts.
Understanding EVOO Styles: Delicate, Classic & Robust
EVOOs also come in three main styles: Delicate, Classic, and Robust. Understanding these can help you pair the right oil with the right dish.
🫒 Delicate (Light) EVOO
- Flavour: Mild, buttery, and slightly bitter with minimal aroma.
- Use it for: Baking, sautéing, deep-frying, or any dish where you don’t want the oil to dominate.
- ✅ Yes, you can deep fry with EVOO—and we’ll bust that myth in a future post!
🫒 Classic (Medium) EVOO
- Flavour: Balanced, fruity with gentle pepper notes and a pleasant aroma.
- Use it for: Everyday cooking—soups, salads, vegetables, grilling, and more. A true all-rounder.
🫒 Robust (Intense) EVOO
- Flavour: Bold, bitter, rich, with strong aromas and a peppery finish.
- Use it for: Dipping with crusty bread, pairing with balsamic, finishing meats or pasta, or boosting tomato-based and spicy dishes.
Pro tip: We start our mornings with a shot of high-polyphenol robust EVOO! It’s full of antioxidants (hello, polyphenols) and a fantastic way to kickstart your health.
Where to Buy the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Australia
At Casa Olio, we’ve curated a range of premium extra virgin olive oils from Australian award-winning producers. These oils aren’t just high-quality—they’re fresh, full of flavour, and packed with health benefits.
We work directly with small-scale producers who are passionate about their craft and consistently take home gold medals for their olive oils.
Explore our range at www.casaolio.com.au and taste the difference for yourself.
Ready to Make the Switch?
We believe everyone should be cooking with and enjoying the benefits of real extra virgin olive oil—and once you experience the flavour and health perks, there’s no going back.
Stay tuned as we continue to share more tips, facts, and olive oil wisdom. Until then, remember:
Eat More Olive Oil.
Your body will love you for it.
Ciao for now,
Giuseppe & Liz
www.casaolio.com.au
