Every fall, olive oil lovers around the world eagerly await the arrival of new harvest extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This freshly extracted oil is celebrated for its robust flavors, vibrant aromas, and unmatched quality. But how do you truly experience and evaluate it like a pro? Here’s a step-by-step guide to tasting fresh EVOO and appreciating all it has to offer.
Why Tasting EVOO Matters
Tasting EVOO isn’t just about identifying whether it’s good or bad—it’s about uncovering what makes for its fundamental qualities. Whether it’s a single-varietal oil or a blend, every new harvest EVOO tells a story—of the olives, the land, the season, the people and the craftsmanship behind it. With a little practice, tasting can become a sensory adventure, connecting you to the essence of this golden elixir.
Tasting EVOO
To taste EVOO like a professional, you need a neutral environment where your senses can focus, and a grasp of essential tasting techniques.
Step 1: Create the Right Tasting Environment
• Use a small, clean glass or cup. Professional tasters use dark-colored, typically blue, tasting glasses to avoid visual bias, but a clear glass works fine for home use.
• Choose a quiet space, free from strong odors (perfume, food, or cleaning products) to eliminate distractions and avoid interference with the aroma.
• Taste at room temperature, as this ensures the oil’s aromas and flavors are fully expressed.
Step 2: Warm the Oil
• Pour about a tablespoon of EVOO into your glass.
• Cover the glass with one hand and gently swirl the oil with the other hand to release its aromas.
• Warm it slightly by holding the glass in your hand for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Assess the Aroma
• Uncover the glass and bring it close to your nose.
• Take a deep sniff and focus on the scents. Ask yourself: Does it smell fresh or musty? Do you sense fruity notes? Can you identify specific aromas like grass, green apple, artichoke, tomato leaves, or herbs? Does it remind you of ripe or green olives?
Step 4: Taste the Oil
- Take a small sip of the oil, letting it coat your tongue and palate.
- Use the “stripping” technique to amplify the flavors: Purse your lips slightly and suck in a small amount of air through the oil in your mouth, allowing it to spread across your palate, then swallow.
- Pay attention to three key attributes:
o Fruitiness: Fresh, fruity notes like green apple, almond, citrus, or grass.
o Bitterness: A pleasant bitterness sensation, often felt on the sides of your tongue, a sign of green, unripe, polyphenol-rich olives.
o Pungency: A peppery kick at the back of your throat, a hallmark of fresh, antioxidant-rich oil.
Step 5: Evaluate the Finish
- Pay attention to the aftertaste: after swallowing, notice whether the flavors fade quickly or leave a pleasant impression. High-quality EVOO has a clean, lasting finish; poor-quality oils may taste waxy or rancid, while fresh oils will feel vibrant and alive.
Step 6: Compare Multiple Oils (Optional)
• To sharpen your tasting skills, try sampling several EVOOs side by side.
• Cleanse your palate between tastings with a piece of apple, cup of water, or plain bread.
• Note your appreciation of the aroma, flavor, and any unique characteristics of each oil, and how the sampled oils differ: Are they more fruity or bitter? Do some have a stronger peppery kick? How does the color (while not an indicator of quality) vary between oils?
Tips for Beginners
• Start with premium oils: New harvest EVOOs from reputable producers are more likely to showcase bold flavors.
• Taste with food: While tasting plain oil is great for evaluation, try it with bread, salads, or roasted vegetables to see how it complements dishes.
• Take notes: Write down your impressions to track your palate’s development over time.
What to Look for in New Harvest EVOO
Freshly extracted EVOO often stands out for its:
• Herbaceous intensity: Strong aromas of green plants and fruits.
• Complex balance: A harmonious interplay of fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency.
• Polyphenol-rich profile: The peppery sensation and slight bitterness are signs of a healthful oil.
Ultimately, tasting new harvest EVOO is more than a sensory experience—it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a reminiscence of the olive harvest season from the comfort of your home. By taking the time to explore the flavors and aromas of this exceptional oil, you’ll develop a new appreciation for its place in your kitchen and on your table.
So, grab a bottle of new harvest EVOO, pour a small glass, and let the tasting journey begin. Who knows what flavors you’ll discover?
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