SAN ANTONIO – Sales of of olive oil are way up, thanks to its heart-healthy benefits.
Consumer Reports tested 23 extra-virgin olive oils to assess freshness, taste and to determine if there are any defects.
Extra-virgin olive oils are supposed to be top-quality. But testers found only nine of the 23 oils tasted like extra-virgin.
Several big names, including some from Bertolli, Goya, Crisco, Walmart's Great Value and Mazola rated only fair.
Two rated excellent, and both are from California.
The McEvoy Ranch olive oil had an intense aroma with a balanced flavor. It's pricey at $22 a bottle.
Trader Joe's California Estate olive oil had very complex and balanced flavors. It's priced at far less, $6 a bottle.
Trader Joe's is scheduled to open its San Antonio store near the Quarry in mid-October.
Two other less expensive olive oils rated very good. They're the Kirkland Signature Select Toscano from Costco and Whole Foods' 365 Everyday Value 100-percent California Unfiltered Olive Oil.
When it comes to cooking, there is no need to use a pricey olive oil, according to Consumer Reports, because high heat can destroy the subtle flavors.
For a list of recent stories Marilyn Moritz has done, click here.