How and When to Use Different Types of Olive Oil

Olives are a Mediterranean fruit that sometimes is confused as a vegetable. This unique fruit is used in a lot of Italian, Middle Eastern, Greek, Israeli, Spanish, and North African dishes. Olive oil is light in substance and it adds a unique flavor since no other substances taste quite like this fruit. Since many people do not cook with olive oil, they may not have an understanding about how to properly use it in dishes.

Olive oil comes in two major types. The first is extra virgin olive oil, which is used for flavoring foods after they are prepared. This is a more expensive type of oil. This type of olive oil would be great in salad dressings, on bread, and even with various pastas or meats.

The second type is a regular olive oil or a virgin olive oil. This kind of Italian olive oil is used for frying and cooking food. You should always use the best brand of olive oil possible because an inferior olive oil will have a bad aftertaste. If you’re not sure about how a good olive oil should taste, talk to a chef or supplier who is familiar with fine olive oils so you can get a good idea about how quality olive oil should taste.

Olive oils can be used in almost any dish, so even if you are new to cooking, you can incorporate this great flavor easily.  Italian cuisine is great for using olive oil, as it is added to almost any dish for a wonderful flavor.