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Olive Oil Tasting Guide
The California Olive Oil Council's Tasting Panel uses specially-made blue glasses that are tapered to concentrate the oil’s aroma (a wine glass is a good substitute when tasting at home). Cover the glass and allow it to gently warm in your hand; optimal tasting temperature 82°. It is important to evaluate the oil in an odor-free environment using the "4 S's" method to tasting oil:
Swirl - swirl the oil in the glass which releases the oil’s aroma. Keep the oil covered until ready to sniff.
Sniff - uncover the oil and quickly inhale from the rim of the glass. Take note of the intensity and the description of the aroma.
Slurp - take a small sip of the oil while also “sipping” some air. This slurping action emulsifies the oil and helps to spread it throughout your mouth. Take note of the retro-nasal aroma as well as the intensity of bitterness.
Swallow - an oil’s pungency is judged by a sensation in your throat so you must swallow at least a small amount to thoroughly evaluate it. If the oil makes your throat scratchy or makes you want to cough, it is a pungent oil.
If tasting a series of oils, be prepared to clean your palate between tastes with a bite of green apple (preferably Granny Smith) followed by either still or sparkling water.
Delicate
Subtle pungency, notes of cinnamon and herbs with a mild peppery finish.
Toss your favorite cold pasta or potato salad in this herbaceous olive oil or drizzle on warm, comforting soups like butternut squash bisque and tomato basil. Also a unique and surprisingly delicious addition to any scoop of ice cream.
Medium
Ripe, buttery, and nutty with a flavorful peppery finish.
Your kitchen staple, this palate pleasing oil may be used as a healthier alternative to butter in baked goods (be sure to follow a substitution ratio!), and is especially great for sautéing and roasting any vegetable or protein of your choice.
Bold
Robust and well-balanced with notes of grass and green tea.
Prep seasonal vegetables and meat for the grill, shake it up with ENZO balsamic for a quick, flavorful salad dressing, or make it into a hearty sauce or marinade.
Eureka Lemon Crush
ENZO Eureka Lemon Crush is crafted with 100% estate grown organic olives milled together with zesty organic Eureka Lemons. This agrumato milling method creates a fresh, unfiltered olive oil with a vibrant citrus flavor.
Basil Crush
Fresh, organic California basil is crushed with whole organic olives resulting in an exceptional unfiltered oil yielding a natural herbal essence and aroma.
ENZO Organic Basil Crush is the perfect complement to salads, heirloom sliced tomatoes, pasta, grilled fish and meat.
Clementine Crush
Prepare your favorite fish or poultry dish with Clementine Crush, dress a garden salad or infuse zesty notes to brownies and olive oil cakes.
Fresno Chili Crush
Fresno Chili Crush is the perfect complement to grilled meat and fish, roasted vegetables, artisan pizza, pasta, soup and eggs... any style!
Garlic Infused
ENZO Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil infused with fresh organic garlic creates a bold and fragrant olive oil.
Meyer Lemon Infused
ENZO Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil infused with Meyer lemon creates a delightful balance between buttery and sweet citrus notes.