Want to be an Olive Oil Connoisseur?

We received a sample of a very good Greek extra-virgin olive oil known as Lykovouno.  It came with a pamphlet on their fine oil, which included a feature I thought you would enjoy.  It is entitled:  Want to be an Olive Oil Connoisseur?

Just follow these easy steps.

1.  Warm the oil.
Pour  a small amount (about two teaspoons) in a cup or glass.  Cradle the cup in one hand and cover with the other to warm.

2.  Notice the color.
While you're warming, notice the color of the oil.  Color is not always an indication of the quality of the oil, however the greener the oil, the stronger the aroma and the richer the taste.  Green oils may fade to a golden color if exposed to light and as they age, but they will still retain their desirable qualities if used within the recommended shelf life of the product.

3.  Notice the aroma.
Swish the oil around in the cup and lift the hand to breathe in the aroma of the oil.  You should notice a fresh and fruity aroma.

4.  Taste the oil.
Take a mouthful of oil and let it circulate in your mouth, then swallow.  Notice the sharpness near the cheeks and the sweetness near the tip of the tongue.  You may experience flavors and aromas of fruit, pepper, and grass.

5.  Notice your response.
Another interesting test is to notice if it has a fresh vibrancy that makes you feel like coughing once or twice.  Connoisseurs call it the "two-cough taste;" it's the final mark of a very fresh and piquant extra-virgin olive oil.