Lucini, Extra Virgin Olive Oil Collection (Premium Select, 500 mL (Pack of 1))

I have been reading about the so-called olive oil scandal, that so many Italian olive oil exporters are bottling up stuff labeled as extra virgin that isn't, that many are not even completely olive oil at all. One study was done by an American group, and it was funded by the growers in California, and - can you believe it???? - that study found that only California-grown olive oil seems to be pure and labeled correctly as to quality level. Surprise, surprise!However, this study did grudgingly list *some* Italian exporters as being on the up-and-up and that their quality was generally very good to excellent.Lucini is one of those brands that was listed as selling the real stuff with no adulterants and at the listed quality level. Since a couple of studies done in Europe also listed this brand as being excellent I decided to stop messing around with others and start getting this brand only. We like it a lot, and now that we no longer fully trust olive growers to bottle pure olive oil or to produce truly unbiased studies about their competitors, we have settled on this brand.It is in a glass bottle, and it was simply wrapped in bubble wrap and dumped into a larger box with some air pillows. But it was not suspended in the package, the bottle resting solidly on the cardboard bottom of the box. Had this box sustained a solid whack the UPS truck would have reeked of something akin to a Greek salad and we would have received an oily box of glass. Thankfully this did not happen. I intend to complain via the packaging feedback system. We will buy this excellent olive oil through Amazon again, but we will not if the second one arrives packed in like manner.Great product, probably actual olive oil (unlike some others from Italy right now, apparently) with a clean taste at a good price. Highly recommended if you like olive oil. Good for cooking or as the base for seasoned dipping oil. Survives well in an enclosed cabinet when tightly sealed. (Some seem to "rot" but this one lasts a decent amount of time after opening.) Try some!

As many people know, there's no control over Extra Virgin Olive Oil from any regulating agencies. Often, olive oils are cut with cheaper or less healthy oils. Thankfully consumer lab did an independent analysis of several EVO oils and this was pure olive oil and had the highest polyphenol content of any tested (CA Olive Ranch was runner up, also pure, good flavor and cheaper). The Lucini has a stronger bite, peppery and more complex, so I like to use that for dipping (with sea salt, garlic and ground pepper, yum). I use it for drizzling and flavoring and use the CA Olive Ranch for everyday cooking. I actually prefer this Lucini Everyday EVOO to the premium one in taste.Note that the higher polyphenol content not only makes it healthier but also means that it is less likely to break down at higher temperatures. Olive oil doesn't have a high smoke point, but this one has higher than most. So I use this one for roasting vegetables or meat at over 400°.I will continue to buy this product and the price at Amazon is competitive. Sometimes it's hard to find in stores.

It surely tastes premium. I think the smell is more on the sweet/fruity side. Very pleasant. The cap is designed right so I can pour it easily and cleanly. I first got this product when it was on sale at Whole Foods. Now I can buy this at the lowest price every time. Already ordered the second bottle.

Very light and excellent taste.

In my opinion, this is the best olive oil but given everyone has such different tastes;I am sure there will be some who disagree.I have tried numerous others on the shelf wanting to like them because they were cheaper. For me, many have either a bitter or sharp taste but this one does not. It is just really good olive oil.If someone out there has found another oil they think compares, I would love to hear from you! Many thanks.

We read about this olive oil being the absolute best for taste testing and dipping. Amazon had the best price we could find. We tasted it when it arrived. True enough, it was slightly bitter and grassy just like the best EEVO's are supposed to be, but we didn't find it that much better considering the cost.

Great product but sometimes takes too long to receive and thus when I need it I have to choose a different product.

Excellent quality.