Gourmet Oils
Unique Oils, Olives and Vinegars
Are you tired of the same flavors day in and day out? You can easily kick up the taste of your next meal by adding a splash or two of gourmet oils and/or vinegars, or even add some tasty olives. As the demand of more interesting meals grows, so do the varieties of these products, so you can surely find a taste that will please any palate.
If you plan to use olives, you may want to know a little about them. During the ripening process, olives turn various colors. They start green, then change to a purple-red, and eventually change to black. The green and black varieties are the most popular.
In their natural condition, green olives have the tendency to be quite bitter, which is definitely an acquired taste. You most often find this variety stuffed with different items, including anchovies, garlic, peppers, and cheese. Black olives, which have fully ripened, have a higher oil content.
Speaking of oil, you'll find many different types of gourmet oil on the market today. Nut oils and olive oils are most common. You may be surprised to learn that oils are lower in harmful trans-fat and are healthier than lard, butter, and shortening. Flax seed oil and canola oil are two of the low fat varieties and are particularly popular with those on diets.
Spices and herbs are often used to flavor oils. You don't have to spend an arm and leg buying pricey flavored oils. By adding these items to you favorite oil, you can make your own right at home. Oil is easily infused with the taste and aroma of items you add in the oil.
Vinegar is a popular liquid used in cooking. Vinegar is most often used as an ingredient in a dressing or marinade, or to bring out the natural flavors of vegetables and meats.
Many kinds of vinegars are available and you'll be able to find many varieties at your local grocery store. Wine vinegar created over several months by using oak barrels in which wine is fermented. Apple pulp is used to create cider vinegar. Malt vinegar is strong in flavor, and is most often used to pickle food items. The strongest vinegar, which also contains a bit of alcohol, is spirit vinegar. Lastly, many Asian recipes call for rice vinegar, which is available in different varieties and flavors.
Not only are oils, vinegars, and olives a great way to jazz up a meal, they are also wonderful items to use in a gourmet gift basket.