Olive Oil – A Hidden Treasure

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December 22, 2009 by Carlie S. | Comments (4)

Wine, chocolates and cookies again? An original hostess gift can be a challenge to find so why not bring something special to the party like a high grade bottle of olive oil. This underestimated culinary accoutrement is tasty, versatile and, best of all, good for you! We got the details on olive oils from a local expert, Doleres Smith from Olivar.

Do the oils taste very different?
Yes, you can really taste and savour the extraordinary flavours of exceptional oils. Complex oils have a degree of bitterness and pepper to match the intensity of fruit flavours. Use a smooth and silky, exceptional extra virgin olive oil to give any food a delicate or bold burst of flavor – quickly and simply.

Can I use any oil with anything?
Just like with wines, different olive oil flavour profiles pair exceptionally with certain foods. An excellent pairing gives you “wow” experiences instead of the ordinary or worse! From smooth to bold to fruity, there is an olive oil for every meal.

What are the health benefits?
Olive oil has been extensively studied for its effect on human health, including reducing the risk of heart diseases and some types of cancer; helping to maintain a low blood pressure and to alleviate arthritis; and helping to improve the appearance and texture of our skin.

Which oil do you recommend for the perfect hostess gift?
For the perfect hostess gift bring along a bottle of Olivar’s Dauro olive oil. Its clean and delicate, yet complex flavours, add nuance to delicate foods allowing individual flavours to shine, leading you to new exquisite discoveries. Bring a loaf of your favourite fresh bread and use it as a dip with a little cracked black pepper and sea salt!

Find Olivar oils at gourmet food retailers including Alex Farm products on Bayview, The Inspired Cook in Leslieville and Thin Blue Line Cheese in Roncesvalles.

4 Responses to “Olive Oil – A Hidden Treasure”

• trina Says:
  
  January 2nd, 2010 at 1:40 am

  Olive oil makes a really great gift. I’ve been buying my olive oils from the Olive Oil Emporium, based in Toronto – http://www.oliveoilemporium.com. They have beautiful olive oils and fantastic packaging. They are online and delivered all my hostess gifts on time for Christmas!

• liz Says:
  
  January 25th, 2010 at 1:33 pm

  Thanks Liz. Great tip!I absolutely love the site. I ordered from the Olive Oil Emporium this weekend and should be receiving my oils in a couple of days. Can’t wait to try them!

• liz Says:
  
  January 25th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

  silly me – I meant to say thanks trina!

• elaine Says:
  
  January 27th, 2010 at 10:12 am

  Why didn’t I think of this before? Olive oil is a great gift idea. We received a bottle over the holidays and I thought it was neat! My husband and I use it all the time – need to get some more!

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