What, exactly, does Extra Virgin mean? Extra Virgin is the highest grade an olive oil can receive. The oil’s chemistry, tested in a laboratory, meets or exceeds specific parameters that indicate the careful handling and storage of the olive…s and oil. No chemicals or extreme heat may be used in the extraction process. It also means that the oil is free of defects of flavor or odor. This is evaluated by a trained sensory panel and can not be detected by laboratory tests. Oils that carry the COOC seal have been evaluated using this process and the seal is your assurance that the oil is indeed extra virgin. https://www.cooc.com/about-the-seal/