Is it Normal for Olive Oil to be Spicy? A Guide to Pungency and Quality
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to the Olive Oil Times, the peppery, pungent sensation you feel in your throat when tasting olive oil is a positive attribute, not a defect. So, is it normal for olive oil to be spicy? The simple answer is yes, and this spiciness is a reliable indicator of fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) that is rich in beneficial antioxidants known as polyphenols. This guide will help you understand the chemical compounds responsible for this desirable characteristic.