Fruity olive oil: what is it?
Just like a good wine, Every quality EVOO worth its salt is full of nuances. It is nothing more than a reflection of the complexity of extra virgin olive oil. One of these distinctive characteristics that we sometimes overlook is fruitiness. Therefore, today we dedicate this article to the relationship between olive oil and fruity. What is it? What types are there? What implications does it have on the perception of olive juice?... Find out!
What is fruity flavor?
The fruitiness in olive oil is a key organoleptic characteristic, as can be the itching or bitterness, among others. Specifically, it is about the perception of volatile compounds, such as aldehydes and esters, present in the oil. Es decir, el término “frutado” no significa que el producto contenga fruta, de forma natural o como aditivo. It comes from the presence of these chemicals that are also common in fruits and vegetables. Hence the fruitiness in olive oil refers to those herbaceous and fruity reminiscences that you perceive directly or retronasally and that contribute to creating the aromatic and flavor profile of EVOO.
Now, the union of olive oil and fruit is not limited to offering a unique experience on the palate. This set of olfactory and gustatory sensations that evoke the presence of fresh fruits and vegetables in the oil is synonymous with the EVOO quality. So much so that An oil cannot be classified as virgin or extra virgin without this attribute, according to the regulations of the International Oil Council. And a high-quality extra virgin olive oil exhibits a distinctive fruity flavor, a sign of olives recently harvested and processed with maximum respect for the raw material.
What types of fruitiness can be detected in EVOO?
However, within the fruity you can find a variety of olfactory and gustatory nuances. What should you look for when trying an EVOO?
- Green fruity. These notes are from early harvest oils, with a bitter, spicy and harsh touch in the mouth. It will bring back memories of fresh grass, leaves, green fruits (apple, tomato, banana peel...), vegetables such as artichoke, aromatic herbs such as basil or mint, flowers...
- Ripe fruity. This characteristic is common in oils made from ripe olives and provides softer perceptions and balanced. In this case, it is possible to distinguish sensory touches of ripe fruits (apple, banana, plum, fig, grape, peach...), dried fruits (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds...) and herbs such as chamomile.
Therefore, The ratio of olive oil and fruit is also a determining factor when choosing the most appropriate product.. Thus, an EVOO with green nuances will pair perfectly with salads; another with ripe fruit will add a gourmet touch to hot creams or meat and fish dishes; and an oil with intense fruity notes will be your best ally in baking.
Fruity olive oil at Hacienda Guzmán
So that you have the perfect companion at all times, At Hacienda Guzmán we have four varieties of Premium EVOO. How can you make the most of the fruitiness of our extra virgin olive oils?
- HG Manzanilla. With intense fruitiness and green nuances of leaf, tomato and olive stem, but slight bitterness and spiciness and high freshness, this variety is ideal to use as a final touch in raw food, as it will add personality to any of your dishes, as well as to accompany red meats and fatty fish.
- HG Hojiblanca. In this case, the Hojiblanca variety confers a medium green fruitiness, with hints of freshly cut grass, tomato and artichoke and a certain bitterness and spiciness, which is why it is recommended to pair it with grilled vegetables or to finish soups or creams and white fish.
- HG Arbequina. This EVOO has a medium fruitiness, but with a very aromatic profile in which fruity and sweet touches stand out with a low level of bitterness and spiciness. Hence it combines very well with white fish and desserts.
- HG Coupage. A mix of the previous varieties, once again you will find a medium fruity flavor with hints of banana, almond, green apple and tomato that provide a balance that will fit both with starters and with meats and fish, in which you want to add a touch without taking away the prominence of the ingredients.
Can't you decide? With our case, composed of 4 bottles of 250 ml, you will be able to discover the nuances of each variety and let yourself fall in love with the exquisite fruitiness of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil.
