Why is Papa Vince not in the grocery store?
Papa Vince Extra Virgin Olive Oil is not available in grocery stores to ensure the preservation of its vitamins and antioxidants.
Exposure to strong light and fluctuating temperatures, common in grocery stores, can degrade the nutritional value of olive oil. By shipping directly to customers, we maintain optimal conditions during storage and transportation, protecting the oil’s integrity and ensuring you receive the highest quality product with all its health benefits intact.
How does the packaging help in preserving the quality of the olive oil?
The packaging of Papa Vince Olive Oil plays a crucial role in preserving its quality.
Our oil is bottled in dark glass bottles, which protect it from light exposure. Light can degrade the oil's vitamins and antioxidants, reducing its nutritional value and flavor.
The dark glass ensures that the oil remains fresh and maintains its health benefits by shielding it from harmful light and temperature fluctuations during storage and transportation.
What does it mean for olive oil to have low acidity, and why is it important?
When it comes to olive oil, low acidity is a key indicator of quality and freshness. Acidity in olive oil refers to the amount of free fatty acids present, which are formed when the oil begins to break down and oxidize. The lower the acidity, the better the oil.
For an olive oil to be classified as "extra virgin," it must have an acidity level of 0.8% or less. This low acidity is important because it means that the olives were harvested at the right time, processed quickly, and handled with care to minimize oxidation and degradation.
High acidity levels, on the other hand, can indicate that the olives were overripe, damaged, or improperly handled during harvesting or processing. This can result in an oil that tastes rancid, musty, or vinegary, and has lost many of its beneficial properties.
Low acidity is also crucial for the shelf life of the oil. Olive oils with higher acidity levels tend to spoil more quickly, while those with low acidity can maintain their quality and flavor for longer.
In summary, low acidity in olive oil is a sign of superior quality, freshness, and proper handling. It ensures that you're getting an oil that tastes great, offers the most health benefits, and lasts longer in your pantry.
How are polyphenol levels measured and maintained in Papa Vince Olive Oil?
At Papa Vince, polyphenol levels are meticulously measured using specialized lab tests that quantify the antioxidant content in each batch of olive oil.
We ensure high polyphenol levels by harvesting Nocellara del Belice olives early, when polyphenol concentrations are at their peak. Our mechanical pressing method preserves these antioxidants by minimizing heat and light exposure. Additionally, we store our olive oil in dark glass bottles to protect it from light and temperature fluctuations, maintaining its high polyphenol content and ensuring maximum health benefits and flavor.
What kind of lab tests are conducted to ensure the quality of Papa Vince Olive Oil?
Ancient grains hold a significant nutritional edge over modern ones.
To ensure the quality of Papa Vince Olive Oil, we conduct rigorous lab tests at Eurofins, a renowned California-based lab.
These tests include a Total Polyphenol Test and a Polyphenol Profile Test.
The results are remarkable:
Total Polyphenols: 276 mg/kg (considered very high, with 220 mg/kg being a benchmark for high quality)
Polyphenol Profile:
• Hydroxytyrosol: 16.8 mg/kg (exceptionally high compared to the 5 mg/kg benchmark)
• Oleacein: 86.1 mg/kg (much higher than the 30 mg/kg standard)
• Oleocanthal: 167.9 mg/kg (surpassing the 150 mg/kg standard)
• Tyrosol: 8.2 mg/kg
These tests confirm the exceptional antioxidant content and overall quality of our EVOO.
How does the lab testing process ensure that Papa Vince Olive Oil is free from pesticides and contaminants?
Papa Vince Olive Oil undergoes rigorous lab testing to ensure it is free from pesticides and contaminants. Our olive oil is certified organic by ICEA (Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification), adhering to the strict requirements of EU regulations (Reg. EC 834/07 and EC 889/08).
This certification confirms that our farming practices avoid synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, our lab tests screen for any potential residues and harmful substances, ensuring the purity and safety of the oil you receive.
The combination of organic certification and thorough testing guarantees that Papa Vince Olive Oil is both high-quality and free from harmful contaminants.
