Did you know that in Catalonia, we view olive oil not just as an ingredient, but almost as a medicine? If you step into a local market, its aroma immediately tells you: here, quality is not a question, but a prerequisite. Many people ask me, "Sára, what makes someone Mediterranean?" My answer is simple: start with the oil!
Extra virgin olive oil is essentially freshly squeezed fruit juice. It's packed with polyphenols and omega fatty acids that cleanse your arteries like nothing else. Here, it's a cornerstone of a long life, used in every meal. We don't just cook with it; we drizzle it on fresh bread in the morning and add it to our salads.
How to Choose Well?
In the store, always look for a dark glass bottle (light is its enemy!) and the "Extra Virgin" label. If you taste it and it stings your throat a little, don't be alarmed! That peppery sensation indicates a wealth of antioxidants protecting your cells from aging.
On our SpainAura tours, I always show my guests my favorite local small-scale producer, where you can see (and feel) the difference.
In the meantime, try this at home: a spoonful of quality oil on an empty stomach in the morning – your digestion and your skin will be grateful for it!