You seem to know it, but you don't know it?
In the last few years, "olive oil" has become more and more familiar. Maybe you have more opportunities to eat and use it for cooking than in the past?
There is something that you may have misunderstood about such olive oil. This time, you seem to know it, but don't you know it? We asked the food select shop MEISTERWERK FOODS to tell us about the truth about olive oil!
◆ What is often misunderstood about olive oil
1, color and quality are related
2, not suitable for heating such as tempura and frying
3. Aged like wine and whiskey over the years
4, it is better to store in the refrigerator
5, "Pure" and "Premium" are high quality
Maybe some people thought, "Is that different?" In fact, all of these are "misunderstandings"! The truth is as follows.
1. The color and quality of olive oil are related
→ NO! The difference in color is caused by the difference in olive varieties and harvest time, and it seems that it has nothing to do with quality.
2. Olive oil is not suitable for heating such as tempura and frying.
→ NO! The smoke point of olive oil is "210 degrees", which is higher than the temperature of frying "180 degrees", so it is hard to oxidize and is recommended for deep-fried foods.
3. Olive oil matures over the years like wine and whiskey
→ NO! It is said that the sooner the olives are squeezed after harvesting, the higher the quality. Also, if it comes in contact with air, it will oxidize, so use it as soon as possible after opening it.
4, olive oil should be stored in the refrigerator
→ NO! Do not store in the refrigerator as the ingredients in the olive oil will harden. It seems that the quality will drop.
5, "Pure" and "Premium" are high quality
→ The names such as "pure" and "premium" do not exist in the world standard, and pure olive oil is a kind of ordinary olive oil. The premium is said to have been uniquely named by the manufacturer.
… The more you know, the deeper the olive oil. If you have the correct knowledge, you can enjoy it more deliciously!
◆ “The most elegant olive oil in the world” has landed
By the way, the "world's most elegant" extra virgin olive oil "ICONO" is now on sale at Meisterwerk's directly managed stores and online stores that taught us about the "Iroha" of olive oil. This is Japan's first landing, Chilean olive oil.
Finally landed in Japan for the first time! ICONO
I think that olive oil has a strong image of Italy and Spain, but in fact, there are no pests that are said to be natural enemies of olive cultivation in Chile, and it is a very blessed environment. Icono is handled by More in the Republic of Chile, from olive cultivation to commercialization.
100% olive juice that shines golden
The first thing that surprises me is the commitment to freshness, which takes only 4 hours from harvest to oil extraction. Olive oil, unlike other vegetable oils, is the only oil made from fresh fruits. That is why this "freshness" determines the deliciousness.
In addition, 100% of "Frantoio" is used for olive varieties. The fruits are small egg-shaped and are rich in oil. First of all, the mellow green olive scent and spicy bitterness spread, and finally the sweetness is felt.
In addition, it is also characterized by low acidity. The highest rank of olive oil "extra virgin olive oil" defined by the International Olive Council is a name recognized only for those with an acidity of 0.8% or less. Icono seems to have achieved an acidity of 0.2% (!), Which is lower than this. Low acidity = not oxidized, so the taste and aroma are fresh.
The Chilean ambassador is also proud of being "the best olive oil in the world". Avocado tartar using icono
By the way, Icono is packed in a black bottle with a light-shielding property and covered with a black cover to protect it. This is to prevent quality deterioration due to "temperature change". It's really taken care of.
Wear a black cotton cover
Since I was fully prepared to come to Japan, I also visited the reception to sample Icono, but I was surprised at how fresh it was so that I could clearly see the difference the moment I brought it to my mouth. You can drink this. It's more fruity than ever, and the scent spreads well, as if you were biting a fruit.
Baby scallops soaked in icono, onions and parsley
To chili salmon with icono
Pinchos too
The estimated price is 3,980 yen (excluding tax) per bottle (500 ml). It's a little pricey, but it's worth it. The author also seems to buy it when he wants special hospitality. Even if you give it to someone who loves cooking, you will surely be pleased.
