Leafy salads, light vegetable dishes, goodies from the grill – this is summer!
Dressings, dips and sauces are indispensable for good taste. A look at Mediterranean cuisine shows how best to achieve this: not only is choosing the right olive oil crucial – you also need to know what to look for when using liquid gold.
Each European olive oil has its own unique character. Because the olive varieties used, the region of cultivation and the degree of maturity of the fruit affect the taste of the oils. In Spain alone, the world’s largest producer of olive oil, more than 200 different types of olives are grown, each with its own unique aroma.
Protect from light
However, being a valuable natural product, olive oil can only retain its character if properly stored. It is a constant companion on every table in southern Europe. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly sensitive, so it should be protected from light. Therefore, it is usually bottled in dark bottles.
Consume opened bottles quickly
A bottle of olive oil can be stored unopened for at least a year. Once the bottle is opened, the flavor and aroma slowly diminish as the olive oil begins to oxidize. This process cannot be avoided, but it can be slowed down by keeping the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark place.
What the label shows
When buying olive oil, it is wise to read the label carefully. Therefore, extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil are obtained from high quality olives using mechanical processes. The date of harvest and the designation of origin are also indicated there. The quality mark often provides important information about the neutrally verified quality of the oil. Because the quality of European olive oils is reflected in international awards. The 18 extra virgin olive oils included in the top 25 “World’s Best Olive Oils” in 2020/2021 came from Europe. The TOP 10 is exclusively occupied by olive oils from Spain.
Varieties from fruity to intense
Choosing the right strain is a matter of personal taste. If you like something more nuanced or fruity, you can use olive varieties such as Arbequina, Empeltre or Cacereña. These olive oils harmonize particularly well with light fish, vegetables and even desserts. If you are looking for an intense flavor, you should use Picual or Hojiblanca olive oils. Perfectly combined with fatty fish, salad or meat.
What does the color mean?
Color is one of the most obvious characteristics of olive oil. It doesn’t really say much about taste or quality. Depending on the type of olive, the color varies from light yellow to intense green.
bitterness and sourness
Bitterness is a positive sign of olive oil quality and can be found to varying degrees in the best extra virgin oils. The same goes for the peppery note that some oils have. The acidity of extra virgin olive oil should not exceed 0.8%. For extra virgin olive oil, the value should be less than 2%.
Daily companion
The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) aims for a daily intake of 10 to 15 g of oil and directly states that vegetable oils such as olive oil have a favorable nutritional composition. The European Union even recommends consuming at least 20g of extra virgin olive oil or extra virgin olive oil daily to benefit from the antioxidant effects of the polyphenols found in these oils.
Suitable for all types of training
Olive oil is an ideal choice for all recipes, as it is suitable for all types of cooking and provides variety in the kitchen with a wide range of flavors and aromas. In cold or warm dishes, olive oil gives a Mediterranean touch, especially in summer cuisine.
About Olive Oil World Tour
The Olive Oil World Tour is a campaign created by the Olive Oil Association of Spain and the European Union to promote European olive oils in different markets. This campaign has already been carried out jointly on three continents: Europe, Asia and America.
It is now coming to Germany and will run for three years to appeal to German consumers who appreciate healthy food, safe food and environmental friendliness. Because European olive oil is one of those botanical products that help to increase biodiversity and meets all the requirements to be considered an environmentally friendly product that contributes to sustainable agriculture and the achievement of the Green Deal.
Over the next three years, the Olive Oil World Tour will introduce numerous communication activities. This includes the development of a German website, social media and influencer activities, ongoing press work, live campaigns on the subway and commuter trains, and out-of-home advertising in busy subway stations in German cities such as Hamburg, Berlin and Munich , and classic advertising.
About olive oils from Spain
“Olive Oil from Spain” is a trademark of the Spanish Olive Oil Federation, a non-profit organization created by all the representative associations of the Spanish olive oil sector, whose main objective is the international distribution of a healthy product. The Olive Oil World Tour aims to bring more flavor to the world. The campaign encourages consumers to join the European lifestyle: “Join the European healthy lifestyle with olive oil from Spain.”
You can find more information at www.oliveoilworldtour.de