Discover the Art of Olive Oil Tasting with Mark and Chef Peter

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great olive oil truly special, you’re in for a treat. We’ve teamed up with Mark Coleman, our head of sales and trained olive oil sommelier, and Chef Peter Hyde, our in-house culinary maestro, to take you on a flavorful journey through olive oil tasting. In this video, Mark and Peter share their insights on why tasting olive oil is more than just a taste test—it’s an experience that can elevate your appreciation of this versatile ingredient.

Why Taste Olive Oil?

You might be thinking, “Olive oil? Isn’t it just for cooking?” Well, not quite. Much like wine, olive oil has its own world of flavors, aromas, and tasting techniques. Mark compares olive oil tasting to a wine tasting experience, where the focus is on identifying distinct notes and textures that vary from one oil to another. In the video, Mark and Peter guide you through tasting two types of extra virgin olive oils: a regular extra virgin and a fresh harvest, early-season oil.

Check out the full video below and read on for additional context on the tasting process.

Getting Started: The Tools of the Trade

In the video, Mark and Peter show us that the first step to tasting olive oil is warming it up in blue glasses. Why blue? It’s all about avoiding color bias. Unlike wine, the color of olive oil doesn’t indicate quality, and these blue glasses help you focus on what really matters: the aroma and flavor.

Mark walks Peter—and you—through the process: warm the glass, then stick your nose in and take a deep breath. It’s a little quirky, sure, but you’ll soon be hit with an explosion of scents. Peter nails it with descriptors like cut grass, citrus, and nuttiness, while Mark adds tomatoes on the vine to the mix. The beauty of this step? There’s no right or wrong answer. Just like wine, it’s all about what you perceive.

Sip, Slurp, and Savor

Next up, it’s time to taste. Mark demonstrates two methods: the “slap it around with your tongue” technique (Peter’s personal favorite) and a more advanced method called “strippaggio,” which involves slurping to aerate the oil. Yes, slurping is encouraged! As Mark points out, the right extra virgin olive oil will hit you with bitterness and that distinctive peppery kick in the back of your throat, a sign of high quality.

Peter’s reactions are pure joy as he discovers the layered flavors lingering in his mouth—citrus, straw, and even spiciness. It’s like discovering a whole new side of an old friend. The fresh harvest oil, made from olives picked at peak ripeness just three months ago, brings even bolder, brighter notes to the table. “Fresh cut melon all day long,” Mark declares with enthusiasm.

Cleansing the Palate and Exploring More

To cleanse their palates, Mark and Peter use slices of Granny Smith apple and a splash of water before moving on to the next oil. Each tasting is a new adventure, revealing different characteristics and possibilities. Peter even suggests the oil could be used in unexpected ways, like drizzling over dessert—a nod to Mark’s love for olive oil on vanilla ice cream, a pairing we explored in a previous tasting video.

The Benefits of Tasting Olive Oil

Beyond the fun of tasting, there are real benefits to understanding your olive oil. The fresh harvest extra virgin olive oil featured in the video boasts higher polyphenol and antioxidant levels, offering added health benefits along with its complex flavor profile.

Bring the Experience Home

Ready to start your own olive oil tasting? Mark and Peter make it clear that you don’t need to be a professional chef or sommelier to enjoy the process. Grab a few bottles of different olive oils, some blue glasses if you’re feeling fancy, and a Granny Smith apple to cleanse your palate between tastings. Invite some friends over and explore the world of olive oil together—there’s no better way to discover what truly delights your senses.

Watch the Full Video to Taste Along!

So, are you curious to experience the magic for yourself? Watch the full video at the top of this blog, where Mark and Chef Peter will guide you through every aromatic and flavorful step of olive oil tasting. Get ready to enhance your appreciation of olive oil, and who knows—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy it.

Happy tasting!