Came across this youtube video and some questions I have in mind about my favourite type of oil answered. In this video, Bob Blumer answered a question on whether there is a difference between expensive and cheap olive oil. I use olive oil in all of my cooking except when a recipe calls specifically for other types of oil. For example, when baking red velvet cupcakes, I use the vegetable oil instead.
Anyway, according to Bob Blumer in this interview video, there won't be any difference. But you'll be insane if you use your expensive bottles for cooking. Spare your expensive ones for salad dressing instead.
My further research reveals that, there is a difference in taste depending from where the olive oil comes from. The difference is very subtle and only the experts could tell, not the ordinary consumers like us though. The difference normally stems from the different species, climate and soil condition of where the olives are grown. Spain, Greece and Italy are the main olive oil producers apparently. Hmm, I remember seeing only the Italian on the supermarkets shelves. Hence for me, the association between olive oil is always with Italy. Call me ignorant, but I have yet to find the others on my next visit to the supermarket.
But hey, guess what apparently between the 3 countries, Italy is the smallest producer and most of the oil that is claimed Italian could really be either Spanish or Greek or a combination of the two! But, Italy is the better marketeer! Well, I would say their marketing works! Again, for me olive oil is always Italian! Haha. Whatever it is, be it Italian, Spanish or Greek, it all tastes the same to me. Guess it all depends on the freshness, quality, our taste preference s (be it ordinary, virgin, extra virgin) and price. There you go, a trivia for your Monday blues. Will share some olive oil salad dressing recipes in my upcoming posts ya!
Anyway, according to Bob Blumer in this interview video, there won't be any difference. But you'll be insane if you use your expensive bottles for cooking. Spare your expensive ones for salad dressing instead.
My further research reveals that, there is a difference in taste depending from where the olive oil comes from. The difference is very subtle and only the experts could tell, not the ordinary consumers like us though. The difference normally stems from the different species, climate and soil condition of where the olives are grown. Spain, Greece and Italy are the main olive oil producers apparently. Hmm, I remember seeing only the Italian on the supermarkets shelves. Hence for me, the association between olive oil is always with Italy. Call me ignorant, but I have yet to find the others on my next visit to the supermarket.
But hey, guess what apparently between the 3 countries, Italy is the smallest producer and most of the oil that is claimed Italian could really be either Spanish or Greek or a combination of the two! But, Italy is the better marketeer! Well, I would say their marketing works! Again, for me olive oil is always Italian! Haha. Whatever it is, be it Italian, Spanish or Greek, it all tastes the same to me. Guess it all depends on the freshness, quality, our taste preference s (be it ordinary, virgin, extra virgin) and price. There you go, a trivia for your Monday blues. Will share some olive oil salad dressing recipes in my upcoming posts ya!
