Olive Oil Flavors - How to Use Each One for Outstanding Dishes
Posted by Ruth Mercurio, Professional Olive Oil & Wine Taster on 26th Jun 2023
Olive Oil Flavors - How to Use Each One for Outstanding
Dishes
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is currently
produced in many countries, is distributed, and consumed regularly, either
alone or infused for a variety of
olive oil flavors, and is also much
better known about it now, about its nutritional properties, its benefits to
health in general, and its versatility combined with other foods.
Since olive oil is more popular now, the
cuisines of different cultures have given it their touch and seasoning, as the
oil can be part of the process and also complement a dish, in certain places
they have found a way to add the characteristic flavors of the region and these
can go from one extreme to another as sweet and spicy. Let's see what you can
do to enter the world of gourmet cuisine!
Olive oil flavors: What are infused olive oils?
Infused olive oils are prepared by adding
spices, plants, or fruits of different types to give them a characteristic
flavor and thus flavor the meals or season them more easily. Extra virgin olive
oil is an outstanding example to create extraordinary olive oil flavors.
In addition to the fact that extra virgin
olive oil is
low
in calories
, it has a very neutral flavor, the fruit from which the oil is
extracted, which is the olives, also contains a significant amount of fiber,
which makes it an oil low in cholesterol and high conservation, that is, it can
last a long time in cold or hot weather.
Therefore, to infuse or flavor an EVOO
there are two options: rest it cold or cook the spices or fruits with the same
oil so that they release their aroma and flavor.
Now, to prepare an infused oil all you need
is an extra virgin olive oil of excellent quality, the other supplements in a
fresh state, and a vacuum-sealing bottle. The EVOO is left to sit for several
days and finally becomes an extraordinarily versatile food and ingredient.
Some examples of ingredients to combine
with the oil are:
- Garlic olive oil
- Capers
- Olive oil and lemon
- Basil olive oil
- Olive and fig
- Rosemary
- Jalapeño
These are just a few examples of everything
that can be done with ab authentic extra virgin olive oil, but what about the
properties? Is it healthy to consume it?
Olive oil calories: Do the calories increase in infused olive
oil?
When preparing an infusion, it is natural
for the
olive
oil calories
to increase, as each food has its own unique amount of
calories and nutrients. However, despite this increase, infused olive oil
remains a healthy option and does not fundamentally alter the composition of
the EVOO.
In most cases, the consistency of the EVOO
also remains unchanged, unless exposed to extreme weather conditions or mixed
with additional supplements or excessive amounts of vegetable juice. Therefore,
there is typically no need to worry. The increase in calories from
infused olive oils is
generally moderate and minimal. Moreover, these increased calories do not
compromise the inherent properties of the oil, but instead, provide an
opportunity to discover new flavors and tastes.
How to use olive oil flavors
There are numerous dishes that are superior
in taste thanks to infused olive oils. We are sure that these flavors should be
tasted at least once in your life because it is about experimenting with
textures and tones, which you will surely want to implement in your dishes.
The most common flavors used in gourmet
gastronomy are at least three:
- Lemon
- Rosemary
- Chili pepper (any type)
How can you use each of the olive oil flavors?
Lemon-infused olive oil offers a refreshing
flavor that pairs well with salads and lightly cooked vegetables such as
capers, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, and certain types of onions. It can also
be used to enhance sauces, complement yeast bread, or add a zesty touch to
canapés.
On the other hand, rosemary-infused olive
oil boasts a slightly stronger flavor and can be utilized in a wide range of
dishes, particularly with steak or fish. The aromatic qualities of rosemary
accentuate the natural flavors of the meat. Additionally, it can be used to
prepare rice, sauté root vegetables, or add flavor to raw dough made with fresh
yeast.
Spicy-infused olive oil is popular
worldwide, although preferences for its intensity may vary across different
regions. With the vast variety of chili peppers available, there are numerous
possibilities for combinations. If you desire a spicy kick in your meals, use
it as a regular oil for cooking meats and vegetables. It can also be used to
create mayonnaise or mixed with lemon juice for a delightful accompaniment to
seafood.
Can I make my own flavored olive oil?
Although we are not all expert cooks or
chefs, of course, we can all make extraordinary
olive oil flavors.
The first thing you should do is get an extra virgin olive oil, of guaranteed quality, and the rest of your fresh ingredients, also of good quality, that will ensure the future flavor of your infusion.
If you are not sure what ingredient or
ingredients you want to add to the EVOO, you can start with the basics
mentioned above, while you gain experience and try different recipes you can
add new flavors.
Something that you must take into account
is that the EVOO and the preserves or preparations that you make with it should
always be in glass containers, because plastic and other materials, even metal,
can greatly alter the composition of the extra virgin olive oil and although at
first impression does not change the flavor, over time it will be more
noticeable.
You may at first be afraid about the result
because it may be the first time you make that type of product at home, so if
it does not seem feasible, you can always look for a good store of those
products already made, simply search for an
olive oil store
near me
by We Olive where you will find superior taste
and quality in products including EVOO, aged balsamic vinegar, white balsamic
vinegar, wine gifts, gourmet products, and much more.
A delightful variety of olive oil flavors by We Olive
It is essential to verify the quality of
ingredients and the optimal preparation conditions before purchasing any food
product.
At We Olive, we offer
products that have been rigorously tested for quality, and we take pride in
providing a diverse range of options. Our selection includes innovative gift
boxes, custom
labeled
bottles
, and branches located throughout various parts of California and
the US. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the gourmet experience? Don't hesitate
any longer and take the leap into the world of culinary excellence with us!