Beginner’s Guide to Olive Oil Tasting

Beginner’s Guide to Olive Oil Tasting

At La Fira, we are dedicated to supplying people with exceptional and pure olive oil straight from Spain. With many manufacturers, producing as many units of olive oil as possible is their primary concern. Because of this, they sacrifice taste and quality for time and efficiency. Our cold-pressed extraction process ensures we emphasize quality over quantity with our olive oil. All of our olives are harvested from the mountains of Cocentaina, Spain. The farmers in this region have harvested the same orchards for a millennium, dating back to the Roman Empire. All of the aromas and tastes of the olives in Cocentaina are still present in your bottle of La Fira olive oil. Many people are unfamiliar with the complexities and tastes of olive oil. They are unsure how to taste quality olive oil and what characteristics to look for to ensure the olive oil you use is exemplary. This blog will discuss some strategies and techniques you can practice when tasting olive oil. 

How to Taste Olive Oil 

Here are the proper steps to taste olive oil: 

Choose the Correct Tasting Vessel 

Using the correct vessel to taste your olive oil is essential. Opaque glass is preferred, as it will disguise the color of the olive oil, which can often lead to preconceived notions about how the particular oil tastes. If you don’t have an opaque glass, a wine glass also works perfectly fine! 

Pour One to Two Tablespoons into the Vessel 

Pour one to two tablespoons of olive oil into your tasting vessel. Use your left hand to hold the glass and cover the top of the glass with your right hand. This helps warm up the olive oil slightly, releasing more aromas and adding to your tasting experience. 

Gently Swirl the Olive Oil 

Gently swirl your glass to move the olive oil around the sides. Allowing the oil to coat the sides helps further release aromas. As you swirl, observe the oil's viscosity (thickness). 

Take in the Aromas 

After swirling, remove your right hand from the top of the glass and lift it to your nose. By inhaling, take in all of the olive oil’s aromas through your nose. Breathe in the smells and take note of any characteristics. Your oil could be bitter, spicy, fruity, or many other things. The possibilities are endless. 

Take a Small Sip 

Take a small sip of your oil while inhaling to enhance the flavors. Thoroughly coat your tongue with the oil and let it sit briefly. Explore any connections between the flavors you are tasting and the aromas you are experiencing. Close your mouth and breathe through your nose to discover new flavors and aromas. 

Swallow the Oil 

When you are ready, swallow the oil. Notice the tastes and sensations you feel as the oil makes its way down your throat. Oil sensory evaluation allows you to understand the profile of your olive oil on a deeper level. Many olive oils will harness a spicy kick in your throat. This is usually caused by the antioxidant-rich polyphenols present in high-quality olive oils. 

Clear Your Palette

Once you are done tasting, rinse your palette with water and slices of Granny Smith apples.

Premium Olive Oil for a Cause 

At La Fira, we work with the Wings organization to support those with special needs in the United States. The Wings organization aims to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational, and residential programs guided by the principles of the bible. A percentage of every bottle of La Fira that is sold is donated to the Wings organization to support their endeavors. Contact us today to learn more about La Fira and our olive oil!