How to pick the best olive oil: what the experts look for

Olive oil prices have hit a record high due to a drought in Spain, the largest producer and exporter in the world. Wholesale prices increased by 11 per cent in April, meaning a kilo (about a litre) of extra virgin olive oil now costs a historic £5.22. But have you ever thought about how much extra virgin olive oil should cost? Or even what exactly "extra virgin" means? How about "cold pressed" and "single estate"? And is "light" olive oil healthier?

I consume olive oil every day and covet it the way some people do wine. So to unravel all the confusion, here's my complete guide to buying it — what to look for, what to avoid and what it all means.

When buying olive