Review: Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carapelli for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Growing up, my family would always visit a local Italian restaurant. One of my favorite things was dippng the warm crusty Italian bread into a bowl of Olive Oil mixed with herbs.

A few years ago, I decided to try making an olive oil dipping sauce at home for our weekly pasta night. When I went to the store, I was surprised to see how expensive all of the different olive oils were. Unfortunately, I purchased the store brand olive oil, which was the cheapest.

Getting it home and mixing with some spices, I eagerly warmed some bread in the oven. The outcome? Not so good. I ended up using the bottle for some more cooking, but it’s been years since I have used olive oil in my kitchen.

I was excited when last week I received a bottle of Carapelli Olive Oil to review! Carapelli Olive Oil is Italy’s #1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Their headquarters is actually right outside Florence, Italy and has been around since 1893.

It was suggested that I try an Olive Oil Tasting Test! Just like you would do with wine. I was really skeptical at trying this, but I thought I’d give it a try!

There are four S’s to the test:

• Swirl – By swirling the olive oil in your glass, you release the oil’s esters, which are the molecules that contain the aroma. 
• Sniff – Now inhale deeply. The aroma is the key to the fruitiness of the oil. Is it intense or is it more subtle? 
• Slurp – Sip the oil while “sipping” in a bit of air. This slurping action emulsifies the oil and helps spread it  throughout your mouth. Take note of the various tastes and sensations. Is it fruity, peppery, smooth? 
• Swallow – Once you swallow the oil, it should leave your mouth with no aftertaste. Again, take note of any peppery or stinging sensation in your throat.

Like I said, I was a little hesitant to try the four steps above. I poured the Carapelli Extra Virgin Oil into a wine glass.

When I sniffed the actual bottle of the Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I didn’t get too much of a smell. I poured it into the glass and according to the taste test instructions, I swirled it around and then smelled.

Whoa! All of a sudden there was this incredible rich smell wafting from the wine glass. The taste was so rich and full and a little peppery. And sure enough, there was so aftertaste to the olive oil, just so smooth!

Tomorrow night is pasta night and I can’t wait to cook with the Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This is definitely something I will splurge on from now on.

Carapelli wants you to try out their olive oil and there is this great $1.00 OFF coupon at www.CarapelliUSA.com to print out!

Have you ever take the Olive Oil taste test?