The oil's bouquet should smell like fruity olives. Its taste can range from light to heavy depending on the variety. Choose oils on personal taste preference and the oils' expected uses. Grilled chicken might require heartier oil than delicate seafood. Never judge oil by its color.
Producers can easily influence oil's color during pressing and it is no indication of quality.
Many cooks are looking to olive oil to fulfill many of their modern cooking needs. Olive oil is reported to reduce cholesterol levels making olive oil a healthy choice. Olive oil is not, however, lower in calories or saturated fat compared to other oils. One ounce of olive oil contains 251 calories, 28.4 total grams of fat, and 3.8 grams of saturated fat. Canola oil has 251 calories, 28.4 total grams of fat, and 2.0 grams of saturated fat.