By Maria Ortega
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An Italian chef has dished out three golden rules for buying olive oil , warning that many of us are unknowingly purchasing substandard or inauthentic products. In a revealing TikTok video, culinary expert Roberta said: “I’ll explain how to choose the real Italian olive oil. Many times, the extra virgin olive oil we find in supermarkets seems Italian, but in reality, it is a mixture of olive oils from several countries. Roberta then went on to list her trio of tips. She said: “So keep an eye on these three things – first, it must clearly say ‘extra virgin olive oil’. Second, look for the country of origin. If it doesn’t say the country, it can be a mixture of very low quality. Third, always check the harvest date. If only the expiration date appears, the olive oil can be old.” Roberta also urged food lovers to opt for olive oil housed in dark-coloured packaging, adding: “Another key detail: always choose a dark bottle or tin, as the light damages the oil.” Her advice is spot on – exposure to light, particularly sunlight or intense artificial light, can cause olive oil to deteriorate more rapidly. This happens through a process known as oxidation, which leads to a loss of flavour, aroma, and nutritional value. Dark-coloured bottles (like green or brown glass) or opaque containers help block out much of the damaging light, aiding in preserving the oil’s freshness, taste, and health benefits for longer. For optimal quality, keep olive oil in a cool, dark location and ensure the bottle is sealed tightly after each use. Viewers found Roberta’s guidance incredibly helpful – and her brief TikTok video has racked up over 1,900 likes along with numerous glowing responses. One user raved: “I love you so much, chef Roberta.” Another chimed in: “You have my respect!”. Some have even expressed their desire to visit Roberta at her eatery, Aroma Roma, situated in San Jose, Costa Rica. Looking for more cooking tips? Don’t go anywhere, because we’ve got you covered. Previously, we revealed how adding a savoury ingredient to apple crumble can level it up. Meanwhile, bacon gets even crispier when you use this alternative method.
