Extra Virgin D.O.P. olive oil is the best there is. It is guaranteed by the European Union as being produced in a well defined geographical area and containing less than 1% acidity. It is extremely low in cholesterol and full of vitamin E.

D.O.P. stands for 'Denominazione d'Origine Protetta'. Denomination of Protected Origin by the European Community. The mark is guaranteed by the European Union and was created to promote the authenticity and artisan characteristics of certain food and agricultural products.

There are 520 D.O.P. in total. 101 of these are Italian and they are split into the categories of cheese, vegetables, salami and olive oils. Umbria is one of 20 D.O.P. designations in Italy  for olive oil.

All D.O.P. products are linked to their place of origin.  A D.O.P. Umbria designation guarantees that all of the olives used to produce the oil come not only from Umbria but also from one of five small regions within Umbria.  The olives must come from olive groves that have been D.O.P. Umbria approved. The cultivation must be carried out according to well defined procedures. The pressing must be done in selected mills.  Finally, the olive oil must pass further careful evaluations.