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Olive Oil

By , About.com Guide

Olive Oil

Olive Oil

Photo by Marcello Gambetti
Definition: Olive oil is an oil made from pressed olives. You may find that olive oil may be called virgin or extra virgin. The oil is graded by its acidic content and by which pressing of the olive. Virgin olive oil considered to be oil from the first pressing.

Olive oil was once called liquid gold by the Greeks. It had medicinal as well as nutritious purposes, as gladiators would use it as a solve.

Olive oil can be found in many salad recipes today. In Middle Eastern cooking, it is used in many marinades, vegetable sautes, and in dips.
Also Known As: az-zayt in Arabic
Examples:
The recipe calls for 1 cup of olive oil.

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