Amore Italy: Capture The Romance AT FORTY FIVE Magazine Issue 2021 01

AT FORTY FIVE MAGAZINE /07
A little bit of history, olive trees have been
growing in the Mediterranean since the
8th millennium BC. It was often used in
religious rites.
The main olive oil producers are Spain,
Italy, Tunisia, Greece, and Turkey but
other countries such as the United States
and Australia also grow olives.
What is the difference between olive oil
and extra virgin olive oil?
It is not different grades or types of olives
but instead, it is the process used to
extract the oil from the olives and the
level of free oleic acid.
Extra virgin olive oil, which is an unrefined
oil, has a darker color and a more
pungent aroma. The olives are picked at
their optimum ripeness. There are no
chemicals added and the temperature is
not altered. It contains less than 1% oleic
acid.
The more expensive oil, often it is
considered a finishing oil. Use it for
dipping bread, as a dressing or sprinkled
liberally over fresh and grilled vegetables.
You do not want to cook with it, as raising
the temperature defeats the purpose
When looking for olive oil for cooking
purposes you want to use regular or pure
olive oil. The oleic acid measures between
3 and 4% and this is often a blend of coldpressed
and processed oils.
Host An Olive Oil Tasting
At your next summer get-together,
consider doing an olive oil tasting. You
can buy three or four extra virgin olive
oils. Just like fine wines, different regions
of olive growing produce variations in
flavor.
It is so easy to set up a table with a variety
of pieces of bread (hard and soft), soft
cheeses like goat cheese, roasted veggies,
fresh or dried figs, and other fruits. Use
small saucers or cups to pour out the oils
and give everyone a small notepad to
keep track of their tastings.
Paired with wines, you and your guests
will have a wonderful time ranking the
oils. Your taste buds will thank you.