Virgin olive oil - aquired taste?

Tia_Maria06

I'm just watching Jamie Oliver on 4 at the mo, and my mouth is watering , but what I dont get is this virgin olive oil thing.

I got some as all the chefs use it, but I think its a strong taste and it makes my food taste weird. I just tend to stick to regular sunflower oil now.

Is it an aquired taste? Do you love it or loathe it?:p

crux

I think it is acquired, I used not to like olives.

Now I love em

Also like Capers, Anchovies, fresh chillies and strong cheese etc.

Olive oil should be used in the correct recipe, not much point in frying meat of something in it for instance. But on a salad or over tomatoes and Mozzarella with a splash of balsamic vinear.... Yummy :T

Tia_Maria06

mmm, I dont really like olive but I always keep trying them. In fact I ate a small box of them with feta that were my friends over Christmas, but since have tried again, and I was nearly sick

Love anchovies and strong cheese, sadly my stomach doesnt.

I fried an egg in olive oil, and mushrooms, I thought it was vile. So, I will try a dressing sometime. thanks x

CCP

I think it partly depends on the variety of oil and where it comes from - some are more olive-y tasting than others. If you were to try several different ones from different areas you might find one you like, but it could be an expensive experiment - if you like sunflower oil, there's nothing wrong with sticking with it, imo.

I agree with crux that it's definitely not for cooking with, though - it's a bit of a waste (particularly if you've got an expensive oil) and doesn't do the oil a lot of favours - my dad cooks with extra virgin olive oil and I think it has a very odd smell when it's heated. Sloshed over a salad or freshly made bread, though - mmm! :drool:

crux

Tia_Maria06 wrote: »

I fried an egg in olive oil, and mushrooms, I thought it was vile. So, I will try a dressing sometime. thanks x

Yeah fried egg & mushrooms in olive oil = no thanks, much better in butter and a little touch of sun flour or ground nut oil to stop the butter burning.

Get some fresh bread, pour some of the oil into a saucer or something add a little black ground pepper if you wish , try dipping the bread into the oil and try it that way, if you don't like the taste in that situation then I would just consign the oil to the store cupboard, it will last virtually for ever and you may get to like it in the future.

Sublime_2

I like extra virgin olive oil. I use it for cooking sometimes, depending on the dish. It lends itself well to pasta, and chilli dishes.

There is a difference in brands. I prefer Tescos finest as its got a fruity taste. I love fresh olives too.

laurel7172

Love it. Love things cooked in it. Love those little Spanish cakes flavoured with it. I once made a chocolate cake with it. That didn't work out too well, but the kids didn't mind. They've been soaked in it since birth

Sunshine12

Never use anything but olive oil, extra virgin olive oil or groundnut oil.

SUESMITH_2

i think it is an aquired taste, used to find it weird but now love it (still dont like olives though) - i use it whenever its important for the taste, veg oil just doesnt cut the mustard when drizzled on home made pizzas for instance. use it in dressings etc. too.

fry my eggs in veg oil though and use it stirfrys as you can't heat olive oil to as high temp as it will burn.

Justamum

Olives and olive are yucky. My DH and eldest DD love them. From what I've read if you want a healthy oil then rapeseed has more monounsaturated and less saturated fat than olive oil without the strong taste. It's usually sold as vegetable oil (check the label).

Paulie'sGirl

I use it constantly. OH reckons he can taste it (he loathes all things olive related). I saute in it and everything. Not stirfries or yorkies / roasties though, it can't take the heat.

I love it to dip my bread in and for salads, but loathe actual olives - I'm just weird!!

Try using it where there are stronger Med based flavours, like a ratatouille or a spicey chorizo dish where its only a background flavour before you use it with more delicate things if its a problem for you?

PGxx