Here's What You Need to Know Before Buying Olive Oil

True extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is yummy, full of antioxidants, and it helps reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis. and more. But how do you know you're getting the real stuff and not some fake blend? Keep reading ...

Buying Guide

• Don't buy EVOO if it's not in a dark glass bottle (light breaks down the antioxidants).
• Check the label for a harvest date — the closer to the present date, the better — or a use-by date that's at least a year from your date of purchase.
• Note whether the country of origin, region, and estate are listed — these guarantee the best EVOO. ("Product of" on the label simply means that the oil is bottled in that country, not necessarily that the olives are grown and pressed there.)

Storage Smarts

• Keep oil in a cool place away from heat and direct light.
• Once opened, EVOO should be used within a couple of months.

GH Test Kitchen Top Picks

Left to right: Lucini, California Olive Ranch, Gaea.

MANUFACTURERS

This story originally appeared in the June 2016 issue of Good Housekeeping.