Exceptional flavor of premium olive oil described
In the vast world of olive oils, finding high-quality, authentic options can be a daunting task. A store's jungle of labels might lead one to believe that a product like "Native Olive Oil Extra" guarantees quality or taste, but this is often not the case.
Manuela Opromolla, an olive oil ambassador, emphasises that good olive oil should have more than just a fruity note. It should also possess sharp and bitter taste components that cause the characteristic scratching sensation in the throat.
For those seeking the best olive oils, specialty producers and brands focusing on small-scale, sustainable farming and estate-grown olives are the way to go. Brands such as Bona Furtuna from Sicily, Wildly Virgin from Portugal, premium California or Italian producers like Olive Truck and Olio Piro, are commendable for their organic, early-harvest, cold-pressed oils with high polyphenol content, indicative of freshness and robust flavor profiles.
To identify the taste characteristics of high-quality olive oil, look for freshness and aroma, with fruity, green, or herbal notes, suggesting the olives were pressed soon after harvesting. The flavor profile should be balanced, with a mix of bitterness and pepperiness, often described as green banana, eucalyptus, nuts, and sometimes floral or earthy undertones.
A peppery finish is a sign of antioxidant-rich polyphenols, felt as a mild peppery bite in the throat, prized in premium extra virgin olive oils. Complex layered flavors, transitioning from grassy or fruity senses to nutty or spicy finishes, signal good depth and quality.
Many premium olive oils are bottled in dark glass to protect flavor and antioxidants, and certification standards, such as those ensuring organic and traceability, provide assurance of authenticity and quality.
Remember, the quality of olive oil depends on factors such as the condition of the olive, harvest time, processing method, and storage. Finding good olive oil requires learning to recognise its value, which can be achieved through tasting. If the first oil doesn't taste good, don't be discouraged; there are many excellent olive oils in the world.
For Manuela Opromolla, olive oil is an absolute trust matter, and she suggests asking questions when buying. To find high-quality and honest olive oil, look for it in gourmet stores or at markets with traders. Ripe olives produce a different taste compared to young olives, with the latter causing a scratching sensation due to their different ingredients.
A high-quality olive oil may cost around 15 euros per liter due to production costs and trade margins. Manuela's family introduced her to olive oil at a young age, using it in her food for health benefits.
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For Manuela, olive oil is like liquid gold. Taking every opportunity to taste olive oil before buying, and preferably neat, is important to detect off-notes without being an expert. As Manuela continues her mission to educate people about olive oil, we encourage you to join her in the quest for the perfect olive oil.
- Manuela Opromolla advocates for healthy cooking, emphasizing the importance of tasting various olive oils to find the best quality for cooking and enhancing one's food-and-drink lifestyle.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts may be interested to know that many premium olive oils are bottled in dark glass to preserve their flavor and antioxidants, ensuring a healthy-cooking experience.
- In her mission to educate people about olive oil, Manuela Opromolla suggests visiting gourmet stores or markets with traders, where one can discover high-quality, authentic olive oils that elevate one's cooking lifestyle and contribute to a healthy living, as part of a broader lifestyle.
