Mastering Olive Oil in the Kitchen: Techniques & Tips
Discover essential advice for cooking with olive oil. Learn to pick the right type, store it well, and use suitable heat levels for the best flavour. 
1. Introduction
Cooking with olive oil can be a culinary game-changer if you understand its nuances. Whether you’re adding extra virgin oil to fresh salads or frying with a more refined variety, mastering these techniques can heighten every dish. Let’s look at the essentials.
2. Types and Temperatures
Extra Virgin (EVOO): Best for drizzling and dressings due to its lower smoke point. Refined or Light Oil: More heat-resistant, making it safer for sautéing or shallow frying.
3. Storage & Shelf Life
Keep your bottle away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cool pantry helps preserve the fresh aroma. Seal it well to minimize oxidation. If the oil starts smelling rancid, it’s time to replace it.
4. Proper Heating Tips
Medium Heat for EVOO: Using moderate temperatures retains flavour. Higher Heat for Refined Oil: This variety tolerates frying without breaking down too fast. One-Time Use: Repeated heating can produce off-flavours and unwanted compounds.
For more recipe ideas, explore our olive oil recipes.
To learn about global olive oil grades, visit the International Olive Council.
5. Conclusion
In essence, cooking with olive oil revolves around choosing the right type for your dish and respecting its heat limits. Keep it fresh, store it wisely, and enjoy the full, rich flavours that come from a well-selected oil. With these tips, you’ll level up your kitchen game in no time.
- Published in Uncategorized
Cold-Pressed Olive Oil: Why It Belongs in Every British Kitchen
Discover how cold-pressed olive oil enriches British cooking with bold flavour and key nutrients. Learn the benefits and easy ways to enjoy it. 
1. Introduction
The term cold-pressed olive oil often appears on labels, but many people don’t realize how it can transform everyday meals. In Britain, more home cooks are learning about the flavour and nutritional perks that come from pressing olives at low temperatures. This gentle process keeps the oil’s aroma and potential health benefits intact.
2. The “Gently Extracted” Process
When producers avoid high heat—staying under about 30°C—they preserve natural compounds and a brighter, more robust taste. Often called “cool-pressed,” this method helps maintain antioxidants. High temperatures can degrade key components, so this milder approach is a win for both taste and nutritional value.
3. Health Highlights
Retained Antioxidants: By using a cooler extraction, the oil can keep higher levels of beneficial polyphenols.
Heart-Friendly Fats: Like other olive oils, this gently extracted variety contains monounsaturated fats that can support cholesterol balance.
Natural Aroma: You’ll notice a fresh, fruity scent that a harsher process might remove.
4. Cooking Tips & Sustainability
Finishing Touch: Drizzle this oil over salads, roasted veg, or soups for extra depth. Avoid High Heat: For frying, use a more heat-stable option; keep your cold-pressed oil for low or no-heat applications.
Eco-Conscious Choice: Many low-temp extraction methods align with sustainable, small-scale farming practices.
Looking for more ways to elevate your cooking? Check out our olive oil tips
Learn about olive oil standards at the International Olive Council.
5. Conclusion
Whether you love a peppery kick or a milder finish, cold-pressed olive oil offers an elevated taste experience that suits a range of British dishes. Its gentle extraction helps keep both nutrients and flavor in check, making it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen cupboard.
- Published in Blog, health-care, Olive Oil
Vallesur won the Gold at the London International Olive Oil Contest!
We are elated to announce that our cherished Vallesur olive oil has clinched the Gold Award at the prestigious London International Olive Oil Contest (LIOOC)!
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The Complete Guide to Organic Olive Oil
When it comes to superior quality and exquisite taste, organic olive oil often comes to mind. Revered by food enthusiasts worldwide, this olive oil variant has gained immense popularity for its purported health benefits and environmentally friendly production practices. This comprehensive guide delves deeper into the world of organic olive oil, exploring its unique features, production methods, and benefits, alongside shedding light on its potential drawbacks.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Women’s Wellness: Further Exploration
In a previous article titled “The Remarkable Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Women’s Health,” we outlined how the properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) enhance women’s wellbeing in a multitude of ways. As the discussion on heart health, weight management, hormone balance, and other aspects resonated deeply with our readers, we decided to go a step further and delve deeper into this topic. In this article, we will explore some less-touched areas of women’s health and the role of EVOO in enhancing well-being in those aspects.
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Understanding the Bitterness and Spiciness of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you’ve ever tasted extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), you might have found it bitter or even spicy. This is especially true for high-quality EVOOs, which can leave some people puzzled, wondering why such a premium product has such strong flavours. Why does this high-grade oil taste so different compared to commonly sold olive oil which is typically mild?
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A Guide to Pairing Olive Oil with Vegan Dishes
Olive oil is a versatile ingredient that not only enhances the flavours of various vegan dishes but also offers numerous health benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to pair olive oil with different vegan dishes to create a symphony of flavours and textures that will delight your senses.
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The Role of Olive Oil in Creating Rich Vegan Flavours
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The Health Benefits of Olive Oil in a Vegan Diet
As more and more people turn to plant-based diets, it’s essential to know which ingredients can provide the necessary nutrients and health benefits. Olive oil is one such ingredient that has gained significant popularity in vegan diets due to its wide array of health benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the health advantages of incorporating olive oil into a vegan diet and how it can contribute to a well-balanced and nutritious lifestyle.
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Discover the Joy of Bread and Olive Oil: A Match Made in Heaven
For bread connoisseurs, one of the simplest yet most satisfying ways to enjoy a loaf is by pairing it with high-quality olive oil. This delightful combination elevates the flavors of both ingredients, creating an indulgent and delicious experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the beautiful relationship between bread and olive oil, and discuss some tips on how to make the most of this classic pairing.
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