This page is here to help enlighten you, our friends and customers, about the most common areas of interest concerning Bragg Organic Olive Oil. By presenting you with a cross section of frequently asked questions we hope to provide you with simple concise answers to your queries.

1 - What does Extra Virgin mean?
2 - What does Cold-Pressed mean?
3 - What are the health benefits of Bragg Organic Olive Oil?
4 - What is the nutrient content of Bragg Organic Olive Oil?
5 - Where is the expiration date printed?
6 - What are the culinary possibilities of Bragg Organic Olive Oil?
7 - Butter to Olive Oil Usage Conversion Chart

1 - What does Extra Virgin mean?

Virgin Olive Oil (obtained from the first pressing) is divided into three categories according to differing levels of acidity. These are:1. Extra Virgin 2. Virgin and 3. Current, or semi-fine, virgin. Virgin Olive Oil can only be processed by washing, decantation, centrifuging and filtration. No other processes are permitted. A grading system established by the International Olive Oil Council (I.O.O.C) in 1995 further defines Olive Oils. In general, acidity within each grade equates to flavor.

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2 - What does Cold-Pressed mean?

Cold-pressed means that no heat or chemicals (which destroy nutrients) are used in the pressing process. [BACK]

3 - What are the health benefits of Bragg Organic Olive Oil?

For proper nutrition, the human body needs more than the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, starches, vitamins, minerals and fiber - it also needs fats, which play an important role in controlling cholesterol, regulating hormones and balancing the immune system. While Americans may need to reduce the total amount of fat in their diets, they also need to include the right kind of high quality fats. Olive oil is one of the most healthful culinary oils available to provide the body with the proper “fat balance.”

While anecdotal stories praising the benefits of olive oil are legion, today, scientific research confirms olive oil’s status as a health-promoting oil. Derived from a fruit source, olive oil has no cholesterol and very little saturated fat (which can increase body cholesterol). Olive oil has a very high level of monounsaturated fat – up to 80% - and scientists now believe that monounsaturated fats actually reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Olive oil has also been regarded as the “beauty oil.” In fact, olive oil’s beauty is more than skin deep. The body’s cells incorporate the valuable fatty acids from the oil, making the skin more lustrous. [BACK]

4 - What is the nutrient content of Bragg Organic Olive Oil?

The nutritional power of olive oil lies in its fatty acids and the complex chemical adjuncts which are attached to these fatty acid chains. Oleic acid (omega 9) is the predominant fatty acid in olive oil; it is the substance which gives olive oil its “heart-healthy” reputation. Omega 9 fatty acids are resistant to oxidation and hold their stability and freshness for a long time compared to many other less stable polyunsaturated oils like corn, soybean and flaxseed oils.

In addition, the natural nutritional compounds found in olive oil make it a potent nutritional food and a good source of many micro nutrients. It has trace amounts of squalene, a substance with nutritional properties associated with connective tissue function. Beta carotene is also present in the oil as are other tocopherols. These natural antioxidants are precursors to Vitamin E, a necessary vitamin for health. Sterols, which provide easy absorption and emulsification properties when digested, are also present in olive oil, as are phospholipids which help emulsify and digest fats uniformly. These substances also provide minute but important quantities of subnutrients like mono-and digalactosyldiglycerides, cerebrosides and sulphoids which have an array of nutritional properties associated with cell membrane integrity. [BACK]

5 - Where is the expiration date printed?
Bragg Organic Olive Oil has a shelf life of 3 years, see photo below. The expiration date is in the following sequence - 2 digit month, 2 digit day of month, 2 digit year. this is followed by the bottling time of day, in 24 hour format.

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6 - What are the culinary possibilities of Bragg Organic Olive Oil?

Besides its health benefits, olive oil is a versatile culinary ingredient. It can be used both as a condiment and for cooking. Its complex, fruity flavor enhances crusty breads and fresh salads. Used as a marinade for meats or as an ingredient in sauces, olive oil adds a tasty dimension. It’s also an excellent choice for baking, sautéing and light frying. [BACK]

7 - Butter to Olive Oil usage conversion table

We recommend that you store the oil in a cool, dark place and once opened, olive oil may also be refrigerated to increase shelf life. Some experts feel that refrigeration will diminsh the flavor, but more common oils used for sauteeing or marinades will hold longer refrigerated. If the oil solidifies in the refrigerator, place in a bowl of warm water or set out at room temperature briefly to allow it to return to its natural state before using. [BACK]

Organic Olive Oil Product Information