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Spanish and Italian Olive Oils: Taste the Difference

If you're a fan of olives or olive oil, you probably already know that flavors change a lot depending on the quality of the oil you use. If you shop for authentic olive oils from a trusted source like Lucini, you know you are getting the finest, high-quality ingredients available. Whether you’re looking for balsamic oils or gourmet quality EVOO, Lucini has what you need to create a culinary masterpiece.

Spanish Olive Oil Characteristics

While it's similar in thickness to Italian oil, Spanish olives tend to produce an oil that is much more yellow in appearance than their cousins. This difference is attributed to the temperate climate in Spain making the olives grow with characteristics their Italian counterparts don't acquire. Over time, this produces a change in the presentation of the olive, producing a unique varietal that can be cultivated as its own type of olive. The flavor is distinctly fruity and nutty as well, as the varieties of Spanish olive that are most popular are sweeter and more robustly savory than the Italian oils most people are more familiar with.

Contrasting Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Characteristics

Italian olives are the ones most Americans think of when they think of olives generally, because the common varieties of canned olive are frequently Italian, as are the most prevalent brands of olive oil at every price point. Green varieties are distinctly bitter, often with a tart secondary taste, and when it comes to eating the olives whole, people tend to be sharply divided about the experience. Very few people dislike the grassy, herbal aroma this translates into when it's pressed into oil, though. The pungent aroma and strong flavors of Italian oils contribute to the unique taste of Italian sauces that are the core of most of the popular dishes from the country.

Get Authentic Taste From Italian Oils

If you're cooking an Italian dish, there's a good chance a Spanish olive oil will make the flavor a little bit different from what you expect it to be. The best way to get strong, predictable Italian flavors is to use an authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil like the varieties from Lucini.

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