Italian Olive Oil: Where Does The Best Olive Oil Come From?

Where Does The Best Olive Oil Come From?
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By Apepperson
It's a question nearly as old as "Which came first, the Chicken or the Egg?" If the truth be known, there probably have been Wars started over the question of who produces the best Olive Oil. Certianly more than a few feuds have been started.
Italy, Spain, Greece and California are all top producing olive oil regions. California has really come into it's own concerning quality olive oil. But far and away most arguments start over whether or not Italy or Greece produces the best olive oil on the market today.

Which regions produce the finest Olive Oil?
Most Olive Oil produced in the World today comes from the Mediterranean Sea area. Most notable of those is Italy followed by Greece and Spain. If memory serves me correctly, Spain produces the largest amount of Olive Oil.
In recent decades, California is becoming known as a quality producer of some very fine Gourmet Olive Oil. The oil from California producers is vastly different than oil from the Mediterranean region and well worth giving a try.
The question as to which regions produces the best Olive Oil is really one of personal taste. Knowing the taste of the Olive Oil each region produces will help you decide for yourself where the best Olive Oil is produced.
How To Discover Where The Best Olive Oil Comes From
Okay, now that you know that there isn't one place on Earth where the best Olive Oil comes from, what next? Well, since everyone will have their own taste when it comes to olive oil, just as it is with fine Wine, the best way to find great olive oil is to experiment.
The way I've found my favorite Olive Oil, which comes from Italy by the way, is purchasing small amounts on the Internet.
The Internet has opened up a whole new World to use Olive OIl lovers. No longer do we have to search out specialty stores to find rare oils and other gourmet food. Now, with just a few clicks of the button, we can have the best Olive Oils from around the World shipped to our door.
Different Regions - Different Tates
The taste of Olive Oil not only varies from one Country to another, but also from one region to another inside a Country. Here's a rough rundown of what to expect from some of the more popular olive oil producing regions.
Sicily italy - Olive Oil from Sicily normally is a light, mellow Gold color. The flavor is intense with a full body. One of my favorite regions.
Tuscany Italy - If you've never tried Olive Oil from Tuscany, you're in for a surprise. The oil from this region in Italy can range from light Yellow to a Dark Green. The Green olive oil carries a robust, spicy flavor.
Greece - I've only tried a few varieties from Greece. Olive oil from Greece can be a little more difficult to obtain. But thanks to the Internet, it's getting better. From the olive oils I've tried from Greece, they tend to me a little more "herby" tasting. Some people call it "fresh and grassy". There is a distinctive difference between this olive oil and those from Italy.
In fact, my Wife prefers one brand of Greek olive oil over all others! It goes without saying, we have differing taste when it comes to Olive Oil.
Spain - As I said earlier, Spain is the largest producer of olive oil. In my area, most of the olive oil you see on the Supermarket shelves come from Spain. The oil from Spain also varies by regions, but in my opinion not nearly as much as it does Italy or Greece. I'm not sure why.
At least for my palete, it tends to have a soft, "olivey" texture and taste. Unless it's infused, I can't ever remember tasting an Olive Oil from Spain that had a robust "in your face" taste.
California - Olive Oil from California is quickly becoming some of my favorite. Will it ever replace some of the traditional regions of Italy for flavor? I don't think so, but it's coming close.
To me, California olive oil from the producers I've tried are medium bodied "fruity" oils. I have had some that were a little heavier and robust. Some of the best infused olive oil I've ever tried has come from California producers.
It's said that the California Olive Oil Council has standards that are much stricter than those of the Internation Olive Oil Council. If this is so, it is probably one of the biggest reasons that this oil is becoming more and more popular.
Tips On Experimeting With Olive Oil
Starting to experiment with different olive oils is easy, fun and inexpensive. The best way to start is simply by Googling olive oil from the region you want to try.
Most producers offer their oil in a small quantity. I like the 4 and 5 ounce bottles to try but not all producers will offer this small bottle. If not, just get the smallest one they offer.
If you think you will not use much, then why not start your own Olive Oil tasting club? Then all the members could go in and split the cost.
Then members could try the oil in their favorite recipes and bring it to the Club meeting for others to sample. To me, this is really the best way to experience all the truly great Gourmet olive oils on the market.
And don't forget, not only is it fun, Olive oil tasting can have a great health benefit! So what are you waiting on, get started today! It doesn't matter where the olive oil is made, just so long as you try some from every region.
Olive Oil In The News
Not such a dolce vita! We quit the rat race to make olive oil in Italy... but found there was no place like homeDaily Mail: World News3 days ago
Not such a dolce vita! We quit the rat race to make olive oil in Italy... but found there was no place like home

Easy ways to tap olive oil's goodnessLexington Clipper-Herald8 hours ago
(ARA) - Pure, all-natural foods have been gaining in popularity. From choosing whole-wheat pastas over enriched pasta to brown rice over white rice, Americans are paying more attention to what they eat.

Olive Oil CafÃ© To Host Cooking Classes In SeptemberImperial Beach Eagle & Times3 days ago
Look what's coming to town! Cooking classes featuring old recipes from Marco's Restaurant. Remember Marco's - Before the Coronado Historical museum occupied 1100 Orange Avenue, it was the home of Marco's Restaurant.

How To Properly Taste Different Olive Oil
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