HOW CAN YOU TELL IF AN OLIVE OIL IS GOOD QUALITY?
It’s true that many quality indicators can only be picked up by expert judges, but two important characteristics will help you distinguish a high quality olive oil from an average one.
Aroma: The first test is all about smell. The signature fragrances you are sniffing out are fruity notes and hints of vegetables. See if you can pick up on scents such as artichoke, tomato, aromatic herbs, or almonds. Fermented or overly bitter smells can be noted in poor quality oils.
Taste: As with aroma, you can expect a pungent fruity flavor on the palate. It’s also common to note bitter and spicy tastes.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF THE OIL TASTES BITTER, HAS A SPICY FLAVOR, AND TINGLES IN YOUR THROAT?
In nearly every olive oil made from fresh, high quality olives pressed immediately after harvesting, you can taste a slightly bitter, spicy flavor. This comes from the powerful natural antioxidants (polyphenols) found in olive oil. According to modern medicine, these antioxidants play an important role in fighting the aging of cells in the human body.
