You’ve Never Had Real Olive Oil

You’ve likely heard that olive oil is both delicious and healthy for you. Sounds great, except you’ve probably never tried it, says Giselle Deneka, co-owner of Perfect Pairs.

Olive oil sold at grocery stores is almost never the real thing.

“A ‘refined’ olive oil from the grocery store can contain up to 60 per cent canola,” says Deneka, co-owner of Perfect Pairs.

Even the olive oils on the shelves that don’t contain other oils are often blends from different regions. And much of the time, the amount of time these bottles spend in transit or on the shelves results in a less than appealing product.

A lot of time they press them at the purple stage. With those presses, you get a lot of juice, but not very much oil.

Giselle Deneka

Even the freshest blends may not be made from the highest quality olives.

“A lot of time they press them at the purple stage,” she says. “With those presses, you get a lot of juice, but not very much oil.”

While the labels on the olive oil at the grocery store may tell you if they’re blended or refined, taste is the biggest indicator of quality and that’s simply not an option at most major supermarkets.

High-quality olive oil, like the ones offered at Perfect Pairs, should have a fresh, grassy and peppery flavour. Strong pepper notes indicate a higher content of heart- and joint-healthy polyphenols. Real olive oil is perfect for salad dressings, serving with bread, or even sharing as a gift.

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“The more of that peppery taste you get, the better it is for you,” says Deneka.

The best way to know your oil is through a tasting. An olive oil tasting works a lot like a wine, beer or coffee tasting would.

“We start our guests with a mild oil, then work up to medium and robust,” Deneka explains.

For tastings, the oil is heated slightly to help all the flavours come through. Deneka instructs guests to slurp through their front teeth so the taste and texture of the oil coats the mouth and the back of the throat. “It’s kind of a sexy experience,” she laughed. 

Photos by Kristhine Guerrero