Filtered vs. Unfiltered

The terms “filtered” and “unfiltered” can apply to any type of olive oil, extra-virgin or otherwise. Whether you prefer filtered or unfiltered is an entirely personal choice, since filtering actually does not affect the taste of the oil, nor is it an indicator of the oil’s quality. You should be able to tell the difference just from looking at the bottle:

• Unfiltered oil is more opaque because it still contains tiny suspended particles of the fruit. They will sink to the bottom with time, creating some sediment.
• Filtering is performed by passing the oil through a thick layer of cotton wool, which traps the small particles of fruit, leaving a clearer liquid.