Short guide on how to taste extra virgin olive oil
Like wine, extra virgin olive oil is also tasted and evaluated according to precise rules.
Discover in this brief guide how to taste the extra virgin olive oil!
How to combine olive oil with dishes
Olive oil is widely used in the Mediterranean diet.
However, extra virgin olive oil is not all the same, so it is important to know how to combine the right oil with each dish.
Here is a brief indication of possible combinations of dishes and olive oil:
- Intense Fruity Oil: ideal for cereal soups, grilled red meats, aromatic raw vegetables and bruschetta.
- Medium Fruity Oil: excellent with vegetable soups, sautéed fish, grilled fish, boiled chickpeas.
- Light Fruity Oil: ideal with delicate dairy products, fresh salads and boiled or steamed fish.
How to taste extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is defined as the oil obtained from the first pressing of olives through mechanical processes, therefore without recourse to processes or chemical substances, in conditions that do not cause oil alterations.
Therefore the simple “olive pressing” is enough to transfer all the natural substances it contains to the extra virgin olive oil. It is no coincidence that he is called by many “elixirs of long life”. Extra virgin olive oil contains significant antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols.
To taste the extra virgin olive oil there are precise rules for the organoleptic evaluation even if the actual tasting involves a professional, or almost, knowledge of the product.
Olfactory analysis
Heat the oil in the glass to release and enhance the volatile aromatic components.
The tasting temperature should be about 28 ° C, this allows to better capture the organoleptic differences since at lower temperatures there is a poor volatilization of the aromatic components, while at high temperatures the production of volatile substances takes place.
Bring the small glass to the nose and smell the oil in order to capture all the pleasurable sensations or not. Each oil is characterized by its own scents (intensity, fragrance, freshness, balance) and any defects.
Gustative analysis
Take a quantity of oil equal to one teaspoon in the oral cavity, without ingesting it.
Aspirate air, slowly and gently, then more vigorously so as to vaporize the oil in the oral cavity. In this way there is a first contact with the taste buds.
Rest your mouth by slowly moving your tongue against the palate.
Aspirate the air again by bringing the tongue against the palate and half-open lips. The purpose is to vaporize the oil by emulsifying it with saliva to bring it into direct contact with the lateral taste buds.
At the end, expel the oil without swallowing.
Assessments
Carefully evaluate the retro-olfactory sensations by continuing to move the tongue against the palate.
In Campestri, in the Mugello valley in Tuscany, our Resort is set up to offer guests a journey into the culture and the world of Olive Oil. From the passion for olive oil the first Olive Oil Resort in the world was born.
Book now an unforgettable stay in the rolling Tuscan hills and a sensory journey to discover how to taste the extra virgin olive oil!
Quick Booking snippet
The best panoramic points in Mugello to know before visiting this beautiful land. Mugello, a hidden gem in the heart of Tuscany, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and stunning vistas. If you’re visiting, there are numerous must-see panoramic point to know before visiting this beautiful land. 1. Monte Giovi Monte Giovi offers a […]
Mugello is a hidden gem offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the most authentic and fascinating experiences you can have in this land is a horseback ride. Traversing the rolling hills, woods, and medieval villages of Mugello on horseback allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of […]
Tuscany, an Italian region renowned for its cultural and historical wealth, is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites represent not just the architectural and artistic beauty of the region but also its significant historical heritage.
Italian cuisine, celebrated globally, is a mosaic of flavors and traditions. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Naples, each region contributes its unique essence to what we recognize as Italian cuisine. This culinary journey explores how history, culture, and regional diversity have shaped the renowned gastronomy of Italy.
Tuscany is world-renowned for its rich winemaking tradition, a heritage rooted in centuries of history and culture. In this detailed guide, which is like a true oenological journey, we will discover not only the fine wines of the region but also the traditions and landscapes that make Tuscany an unmissable destination for wine lovers.
In the heart of Italy, Tuscany stands out as one of the most emblematic regions for wine production. Famous for its landscape of gentle hills, cypress trees, and picturesque villages, this region is also a paradise for wine lovers. Tuscan vineyards, nourished by fertile soil and an ideal climate, produce wines that are appreciated worldwide […]
For those looking for a firsthand experience, the Agricultural Tourism Company Badia di Susinana offers horseback rides and trekking and riding courses with a guide, in addition to hospitality for horses and riders, located in Palazzuolo sul Senio. Alternatively, the Farm I Cavalli del Vento allows crossing beech forests and vast chestnut groves, with rides […]
Sport fishing in Tuscany offers a wide range of opportunities due to the abundance of inland and coastal waters in the region. Specifically, the province of Pistoia, with Lake Nievole in Serravalle Pistoiese, is renowned for trout fishing and other fish such as carp, grass carp, tench, and sturgeon, with a catch and release rule. […]