| The lowest grade of virgin olive oil: It is not fit for human consumption. It has a natural acidity above 3.3% and may also have an unpleasant taste and aroma. Lampante virgin olive oil is usually shipped to refineries for processing in order to remove the defects associated with high acidity, poor flavor, and unpleasant odors. When lampante virgin olive oil is refined, it is treated with heat, filtration, and/or chemical processes. The refined olive oil may be left as is, with no taste or color, or it may be blended with virgin olive oil to provide some flavor and aroma. When virgin olive oil is added, the refined oil can be sold as Olive Oil or Pure Olive Oil. Refined oil that is not altered after the refining process is used for commercial purposes, such as for packing sardines or smoked oysters. It has the same calories and health benefits as the better grades of olive oil, but it has no flavor; therefore, it is not the best choice for use as a salad oil or as a condiment. The acidity level of the oil cannot exceed 0.3% (before the addition of virgin or extra virgin oil) in order to be classified as refined oil. |
