July 16, 2026 – Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a product that deserves to be understood not only through its taste, but also through its characteristics, its origin, and the journey that takes it from the tree to the table. This is the focus of one of the outreach activities in the third and final year of EnjoyEvoo, the three-year project promoted by Unaprol—the Italian Olive Consortium—and CAP— Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal —pursuant to EU Regulation No. 1144/2014 to promote DOP, IGP, and organic-certified European Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Japan and Taiwan.

Understanding EVO oil means learning to read the information on the label, grasping the value of its origin and certifications, and knowing how to store and use it properly. This approach allows consumers to go beyond simple tasting and make more informed choices.

Among the distinctive features of European EVO oil are its various organoleptic characteristics, which can vary depending on the cultivar, the production area, the time of harvest, and the extraction techniques. Aromas, intensity, and the balance between bitterness and pungency are part of each oil’s identity and help make it an ingredient capable of enriching a variety of dishes and dining occasions.

An important role is also played by PDO and PGI certifications, which guarantee the product’s link to a specific geographic area and compliance with specific production regulations, as well as the organic certification, which identifies products obtained in accordance with the standards for organic farming.

5 things to know when buying EVO oil

1. Check the designation
   The term “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” identifies the highest quality category among olive oils intended for consumption. It is the first thing to check when choosing a bottle.
2. Check the origin
   The origin of the olives and the oil is important information. The details on the label let you know where the product comes from and help guide your choice.
3. Understand PDO, PGI, and Organic certifications
   These certifications provide additional information about the origin and production methods. PDO and PGI protect the connection to the region and specific production methods, while organic certification pertains to the production method.
4. Pay attention to storage and packaging
   EVO oil is sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. For this reason, it’s best to store it in a cool place away from light, making sure to reseal the container tightly after each use.
5. Learn to recognize its characteristics
   Fruity, bitter, and spicy are not merely sensations to evaluate during a tasting: they are elements that contribute to the oil’s profile. Learning to recognize them helps you choose the oil best suited to your tastes and various recipes.

Through this approach, EnjoyEvoo aims to transform knowledge of Extra Virgin Olive Oil into a practical tool for consumers, providing useful information to help them choose a quality product and make the most of its characteristics in everyday life.

The initiative is part of the third and final year of the project, which continues in Japan and Taiwan through activities aimed at consumers and professionals, with the goal of strengthening awareness of European Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the values associated with its production.

For more information and to stay updated on EnjoyEvoo’s activities, visit the program’s website at https://enjoyevoo.eu/ and its official Instagram and Facebook pages.