How To Taste Test Olive Oil + A Dipping Oil Recipe

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carapelli for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know there are steps to take to have a true olive oil tasting experience?  Just like in wine tasting, or coffee tasting, there is a simple strategy of getting the most out of your tasting experience.  I was pretty eager try this, I’m all about maturing my palate!
It is called the 4 S’s:  Swirl, Sniff, Slurp and Swallow:
Pour about a tablespoon of olive oil into a glass, and gently warm it by holding your hand over the glass, while holding the bowl of the glass with the other hand.
1. Swirl – By swirling the olive oil in your glass, you release the oil’s esters, which are the molecules that contain the aroma.
2. Sniff – Now inhale deeply.  The aroma is the key to the fruitiness of the oil.  Is it intense or is it more subtle?
3. Slurp – Sip the oil while “sipping” in a bit of air.  This slurping action emulsifies the oil and helps spread it throughout your  mouth.  Take note of the various tastes and sensations.  Is it fruity, peppery, smooth?
4. Swallow – Once you swallow the oil, it should leave your  mouth with no aftertaste.  Again, take note of any peppery or stinging sensation in your throat.
I did this test using Carapelli’s certified USDA Organic Olive Oil.  Carapelli Olive Oil’s headquarters are right outside of Florence, Italy and has been making olive oil since 1893.  It is now Italy’s #1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil. When I found this out, I was eager to test it against  my usual brand of olive oil, to see which one came out on top.
 I have become quite picky with  my olive oil.  I often drizzle my lettuce salads with olive oil and add a squeeze of lemon, a dash of pepper and sprinkle of salt.  It is important to me that the oil I use leaves no aftertaste, and is sweet and mild.
I also love dipping breads into Herb Seasoned Dipping Olive Oil.  Here is a great recipe that I have used:
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Dipping Oil for Bread
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if vegan)
1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
Crusty bread
Directions:
In a jar with a lid, combine oil, vinegar, cheese, basil, salt, pepper and garlic.  Stir, or cover and shake to blend ingredients.
Pour into small, shallow bowls or rimmed plates.
Slice or tear bread into pieces and dip into oil to eat.
Can be kept in the fridge for up to a month, bring it to room temperature and stir it before serving.
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So, back to the 4 S’s.  I really enjoyed the new experience of savoring the oils and paying attention to the different qualities of them.  I must say, Capelli’s was really, really good.  It left no aftertaste and was mild and sweet, just how I like it.
If you would like to try it out for yourself, here is a coupon for $1.00 OFF coupon at www.CarapelliUSA.com