What do cold pressed and extra virgin mean?
All Spectrum olive oils are prepared for market according to strict European standards. Cold pressed oil is extracted at very low temperature, below 120F, helping to preserve the oil’s nutritional properties. Extra virgin indicates that the olive oil comes from the first pressing. Extra virgin olive oil must contain one percent acidity or less. Low acidity is an indicator that the oil is very fresh. In addition, olive oil from the first crush of olives is by far the most flavorful. Virgin and Pure are designations given to olive oils that are further processed after the first pressing. These oils may come from a second or third pressing and in some cases may be extracted using hexane or other chemicals. Because extra virgin olive oil is the least processed and most flavorful, it is the only olive oil Spectrum uses or markets.
