Olive Oil

[The Wayfarer]

More and more I am beginning to appreciate the importance of quality olive oil in cooking. The cheapo $20 jug from Giant Eagle just isn't adequate for me and seems to ruin many of my otherwise delicious meals. I feel I need to turn it up a notch and use higher quality ingredients. I do it with my cocktails, produce, and seasonings, so I really ought to apply the same to my cooking oils.

With that said, what olive oil would you personally recommend? I'm looking for both a multi-purpose oil to buy in bulk, as well as a more premium finishing oil. I've access to Greek/Italian/Mediterranean markets, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, etc.

 

[DNW]

I'm using Colavita EVOO from a local Trade Fair store. So far, I'm happy with it. I use it to cook with, as well as to dip bread in.

 

[lpresq]

I've never been a fan of Spanish olive oils (not much flavor). IMO, Trader Joe's brand first cold-pressed olive oil is much better than any of the overly marketed Italian branded oils.

 

[buffalojump]

I like using Colavita EVOO Fruttato (extra fruity) for OO recipes requiring no heat.

 

[alliswell]

OP-

Find a Greek grocery store. Buy a 5L tin of Chorio for $20. Don't even think of buying Italian oil again. And use it for everything, even seasoning your grill.

 

[syracuse1976]

Wegmans Sicilian is excellent.

 

[rocks]

Originally Posted by letmebefell

OP-

Find a Greek grocery store. Buy a 5L tin of Chorio for $20. Don't even think of buying Italian oil again. And use it for everything, even seasoning your grill.

I'll remember this suggestion next time, for years I've been using a Spanish brand, time for a change.

 

[JohnRov]

Taste a bunch and see what you like. You should have a lower priced oil to cook with and some other, higher quality oils to use raw and finish dishes with.

 

[Connemara]

Whatever you do, don't get the "Super light tasting!" garbage.

 

[HitMan009]

I would go for any decent priced olive oil from greece. I brought a 750ml bottle from the island of crete for $14.99 at Whole Foods when it was on sale. It was by far better then any other italian olive oil I have ever bought. When I worked in Paris for a while, I brought a brand named SITIA. It was delicious. Full of olive flavor with none of the bitter or acidic edge I get from an italian olive oil. If someone can find a place where I can buy this brand in the states, please let me know.

 

[cheessus]

+1 on Greek olive oil, it's the best.

 

[kaxixi]

Can vouch for TJ's oil--good price/quality.

If you frequent supermarkets with a large kosher section, Israeli olive oil tends to be pretty flavorful, but I don't really go out of my way to get it.

Will try the Greek oil recommended here.

 

[Despos]

I get this in restaurants but can't find it in stores. The olive oil is much more green than gold in color and tastes more on the fruit/sweet side. I've asked at a couple of specialty stores thinking they were knowledgeable enough but they could not identify a brand. Anybody know what I am asking?

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by lpresq

I've never been a fan of Spanish olive oils (not much flavor). IMO, Trader Joe's brand first cold-pressed olive oil is much better than any of the overly marketed Italian branded oils.
I'm the opposite. I go for Spanish Hojiblanca every time. I avoid Italian olive oil unless I can sample it beforehand

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by letmebefell

OP-

Find a Greek grocery store. Buy a 5L tin of Chorio for $20. Don't even think of buying Italian oil again. And use it for everything, even seasoning your grill.

What's your reasoning? Greek olive oil is fine, but you realize that there are many, many varieties, and Greek food isn't exactly the height of cuisine. It's about as unsophisticated as you can get, and I do think that italians have stuff that is as least as good, and is probably the reason why most chefs use good italian olive oils.

EDIT: I just realized that I've tried this Chorio. There's an excellent reason why 5 litres of the **** costs $20. I remember working in a kitchen at Cap Grille with this hairy sweaty Greek bastard who always went on about Greek olive oil. We did blind tastings and it wasn't the blow out he said it would be.

For anyone with tastebuds and any kind of exposure to food apart from McDonalds and olive garden, treat yourself to something a little better.