Decoding Olive Oil: How to Taste Extra Virgin Like a Pro

# The Tasting Ritual Tasting premium olive oil is similar to wine tasting. To evaluate an oil like a professional sommelier, pour a small amount into a glass and warm it slightly in your hands to release the volatile aromas. Take a deep sniff. High-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil should smell vibrantly fresh, reminiscent of green grass, artichokes, or green apples. # The Three Pillars of Quality When you sip it (slurping slightly to aerate the oil), look for three distinct characteristics: Fruitiness, Bitterness, and Pungency. A slight bitterness on the tongue indicates fresh, healthy olives were used. Most importantly, a peppery catch in the back of your throat (pungency) is the hallmark of *oleocanthal*, a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant. If your oil makes you cough slightly, you are holding a bottle of liquid perfection.