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The 9 Best Olive Oils To Buy in 2022

Mark Stock
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There’s not much good olive oil can’t do. Sure, it’s great on pasta or drizzled over a toasted baguette. But it’s also phenomenal with roasted vegetables, atop pizza, and even as a main feature in your next favorite dessert.

Shoot, if the oil is good enough, it can be enjoyed on its own. Some even believe it has restorative properties and like to apply a little to their skin. You can utilize it in a good olive oil cocktail or make a bowl of lentil soup sing with a healthy pour of it. In much of Italy, where olive oil is practically sacred, it’s essentially a healthier substitute for butter. All said, you can count on one hand the dishes that wouldn’t benefit from a little bit of good olive oil.

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Yet, as is the case with anything ubiquitous — pop music, automobiles, fast food, denim jeans — there’s as much or more of the mediocre stuff as there is the high-quality stuff. With so many options, you’d be wide to diversify your oil portfolio, using certain kinds from some kitchen tasks and others for different dishes. And with the holidays right around the corner, you might be after a clever way to gift the olive oil of the culinary gods.

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Every soul should experience fresh-pressed olive oil from the spigot in a small town in Italy (or Spain, or Greece, or California, etc.) during harvest. But that fantasy isn’t readily available to all, so here are 9 esteemed olive oils at the ready here in the states.

Best Overall Olive Oil: Filippo Berio

Berio Olive Oil Bottle
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Berio’s oil hits all the right notes. It’s affordable, widely available, and delivers plenty of finesse and flavor. For a great option without any corresponding fuss, this is your oil.

Best Olive Oil for Finishing: Frantoia Barbera Sicilian Olive Oil

Frantoia Sicilian Olive Oil Bottle
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This southern Italian oil is great as a last touch to your favorite dishes and small plates. It’s made from three olive varietals and enhances everything it touches, from fresh bread and cheeses to risotto.

Best Olive Oil for Snacking: La Tourangelle Organic

La Tourangelle Olive Oil Bottle
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This oil offers a lot for the price, with a nice peppery element set atop some fresh, grassy flavors. It’s a versatile dipper or topper you can apply to just about anything.

Best Olive Oil for Salads: Brachia

Brachia Olive Oil Bottle
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This Croatian offering boasts big fruity flavors and a hint of spice. Translation: It’s all you really need to dress up a good salad, give or take a little cheese, and some salt and pepper.

Best Olive Oil to Buy in Bulk: Mr. Papou’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Mr. Papou's Olive Oil Tin
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This offering from Greece comes in a 3-liter tin and is certified extra virgin. It’s balanced and great in a variety of dishes, making having quite a bit of it on hand quite sensible.

Best Olive Oil for Frying: 365 Cold-Pressed Mediterranean Blend

365 Mediterranean Blend Olive Oil Bottle
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You don’t have to go with Canola oil just because you’re frying. You can still use a good olive oil, like this one from Whole Foods. It comes in at an extremely friendly price while still offering a lot of pleasant characteristics.

Best Cold-Pressed Olive Oil: California Olive Ranch Arbequina

California Arbequina Olive Oil Bottle
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Cold-pressed is a popular means of making oil and essentially just means that the oil never exceeds a certain temperature (around 80 degrees F) in the name of holding on to flavor compounds and purity of character. This one is one of the best in the large category, made from the tasty arbequina olive and showing vibrant fruit notes.

Best Flavored Olive Oil: Saratoga Basil-Infused Olive Oil

Saratoga Basil Olive Oil Bottle
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There are lots of great olive oil infusions, not to mention a whole separate and delightful world of truffle oils. This basil-charged oil from Vermont olives is vibrant and great atop all of your favorite Italian dishes.

Best Luxury Olive Oil: Pamako Monovarietal Mountain Organic

Pamako Organic Olive Oil Bottle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This Greek oil comes in a fetching bottle and delivers colossal flavors and aromatics. Better still, it’s as smooth as satin, certified organic, and something you won’t feel the least bit guilty about when spending a little more loot.

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Mark Stock
Mark Stock
Contributor
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
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