Discover the Best Books on Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Our Top 3 Picks
With so many premium olive oil brands, artisan farms, and producers available to British consumers, it can be hard to navigate the fascinating world of extra virgin olive oil. To help you deepen your knowledge and appreciation, we’ve selected three of our favourite books — perfect for anyone passionate about authentic olive oil, Mediterranean cooking, and the art of fine food.
1. Extra Virginity by Tom Mueller
Widely regarded as a must-read, Extra Virginity is written by American journalist Tom Mueller, a resident of Liguria and contributor to publications such as The New Yorker and National Geographic. The book offers a compelling investigation into the production, marketing, and global trade of olive oil. It is an essential guide for those who want to understand what truly defines high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
2. The Olive Oil Diet: Nutritional Secrets of the Original Superfood by Dr Simon Poole and Judy Ridgway
Authored by two of the UK’s leading olive oil experts, this book explores the powerful health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, from heart health to longevity. It also highlights how olive oil variety, farming practices, and production methods influence flavour and nutritional value. Packed with delicious, healthy recipes, The Olive Oil Diet is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their Mediterranean diet and discover the culinary versatility of olive oil.
3. Flos Olei Guide by Marco Oreggia
Often called the "world atlas of olive oil," the Flos Olei Guide is an annual publication that reviews more than 700 of the finest extra virgin olive oils from over 50 countries. Curated by renowned expert Marco Oreggia, this guide is an invaluable resource for discovering new olive oils, learning about award-winning farms, understanding olive oil varieties, and finding expert food pairing recommendations.
