Many Gourmet chefs will only use organic olive oil because they want to retain the purity of the olive oil and protect the distinct olive oil flavor., This is especially true of extra virgin olive oil which must “stand on its own.” A poor quality olive oil will really ruin the results of an olive oil based dish. Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is the oil from the first pressing of the olives. This pressing is the best tasting of the oils. Perfect for gourmet cooking and vinaigrette dressings.

Olive oil especially extra virgin olive oil should be carefully stored to avoid deterioration of the ingredients. Olive oil must be kept away from heat and direct sunlight. Olive oil must be put into an olive oil decanter that will help filter out sediments.

However an oil and vinegar dressing, also called a vinaigrette dressing, are not the only ways of enjoying olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Olive oil is a staple in pasta dishes. Olive oil and garlic can be combined for a light pasta, and tastes excellent with parmesan cheese. You can also combine Olive oil with sundried tomatoes, or Olive oil with anchovies, tomatoes and olives for a putanesca. Olive oil can also be used to sauté chicken breast with garlic, which in turn is tossed with pasta for a quick dinner. Or Olive oil can be used as a marinade, rubbed into the chicken which is then baked with lemon. The result is a delicate and delicious meal.

Olive oil can also be tweaked to one’s tastes. By placing herbs and spices with olive oil you can create your own gourmet olive oil. By adding these flavor enhances to the traditional Olive oil you can make a subtle difference in the way Olive oil enhances the taste of a certain dish. That is why many chefs guard their gourmet olive oil recipes and will sell a certain house brand of gourmet olive oil in their restaurants. You will often find, despite all efforts in replicating the gourmet olive oil in your home, you will not have the exact version of olive oil. It will still taste delicious, but it is like a signature gourmet olive oil recipe: only you can do it that particular way.

Olive oil makes an excellent housewarming gift for other people, precisely because of the versatility of Olive oil. They will find a hundred uses for the Olive oil and will remember you each time you use it. Olive oil is also seen as a sign of prosperity and wealth, and even of life. In the Bible there is talk of the olive tree, which in Jewish culture was a sign of abundance. Olive oil is even sometimes called liquid gold.

By giving a housewarming gift of olive oil you are not only giving them something they can use in the kitchen, you are wishing them wealth and vigor. In some cultures the first thing that a couple must bring into a new home is Olive oil. Supposedly the Olive oil invites blessings to their home with prosperity and fond memories. After all, Olive oil can only be harvested after a good summer. By bringing in Olive oil as a housewarming gift you are wishing the family a life filled with sunshine.

But to give a truly complete housewarming gift, try combining Olive oil with other essential ingredients for a delicious meal. For example, fill a basket with Olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and vegetables for a salad. You can even share your own vinaigrette recipe. You can also pack in bread and parmesan cheese, as Olive oil and balsamic vinegar make a delicious dip, and include sandwiches and a pasta (Olive oil and garlic, or olive oil and mushrooms) for a complete sit down dinner. You can even include an olive oil decanter for their table. What a welcome housewarming gift for a family who is probably too busy unpacking to cook!

See Olive Oil information

See aged Balsamic Vinegar information

About Cruets