Navigating the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Crisis: Tips for Better Shopping and Eating

The European olive harvest this year has been one of the worst in recent memory, leading to high prices and limited supplies of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). The United States, as the largest importer of olive oil, is particularly affected. Climate change, extreme heat, and pests have severely limited harvests in Spain, Italy, and Greece, resulting in decreased yields and increased prices. To shop and eat better during this crisis, consumers are advised to buy fresh oils, read labels for production dates and chemical composition, shop at quality retailers that allow tastings, and store EVOO properly to maintain its quality. Alternatively, oils from California or the Southern Hemisphere can be considered as they may be fresher.