Yapapi blog page — polyphenols in olive oil
The Bitter Taste in Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Mark of Quality and Health
That distinct bitterness you feel when swallowing extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is not a flaw—it’s a hallmark of high quality and nutritional richness. This bitter note comes primarily from the presence of polyphenols, natural antioxidants that give olive oil its unique health-promoting properties. 🧪 Polyphenols: Nature’s Defense Mechanism in Olive Oil Polyphenols are natural compounds found in high concentrations in quality extra virgin olive oil. They are responsible for the bitter and pungent flavors, as well as for the oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the main polyphenols is oleuropein, which gives olive oil its characteristic bitterness. Another key...