Our Blog
Flavored Olive Oils: Infused, Fused and Naturally Flavored
Flavored Olive Oils: Infused, Fused and Naturally Flavored
The olive oil industry is booming with flavored olive oils and at The Olive Tap, we have a complete and ever-changing line of quality, Infused Olive Oil, Fused Olive Oils and Naturally Flavored Olive Oils. So, one might ask, what is the difference in the flavoring methods?
It is important to understand the “flavoring” process as well as the quality of the base olive oil, when you are shopping for flavored olive oils.
Flavoring Methods
To produce a flavored olive oil, one of 3 methods is commonly used. Please note, we do not include “artificially flavored” as an option, as we are unaware of anyone using this method to flavor olive oil within the industry.
Fused or Fusion Flavored EVOO
This is where the plant (fresh herbs or fruit) is simultaneously crushed, along with the olive fruit. With this method, the essential oils and flavor components of the desired plant product are suspended in the olive oil, while the pulp, rind, seeds, stems, water and other solids are discarded along with the olive Pomace.
Naturally Flavored or Additive
In this type of flavored olive oil, an oleoresin (resin-like extract), extract, essential oil, or other natural ingredient is added to olive oil. With this method, the quality of flavor and aroma are variable, and dependent upon the processing of the plant product.
Some are excellent and authentic in taste, while some are artificial tasting and/or use a low-quality olive oil as the base (not EVOO).
Infused or Infusion method
This is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material into olive oil, allowing the material to remain suspended in the oil over time (a process often called steeping). Due to the extraction and infusion process, the result is authenticity of flavor.
To us, the authenticity of flavor is paramount, and we will only sell infused oils which pass our exacting standards for oil quality, flavor and aroma. We have found that certain oils taste better when the additive method is used, while others produced in the Fused or Infusion methods are superior.
Common Term “Infused”
It is important to note, the word “infused” is used throughout our industry to refer to an olive oil that has the flavor added and, in some cases, the olive oil may be infused.
At The Olive Tap, we offer Fused, Infused and Naturally Flavored Olive Oils. For example: "The enchanting and classic flavor of Herbes de Provence in a base of premium quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil will do magical things in your kitchen.
Use this savory infused olive oil as finishing oil on meats, fowl and fish..." The Olive Tap Herbes de Provence is a Naturally Flavored Olive Oil.
The “Base Oil” is Important – Look for EVOO
It is also important to understand the terminology regarding “Flavored Olive Oils”, regardless of the flavoring process. You cannot call a flavored olive oil Extra Virgin. By definition, and in conformance to the established national and international standards for chemical and sensory analysis, there cannot be anything added to Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Once a flavor is added, it is no longer Extra Virgin Olive Oil and must be called Olive Oil. At The Olive Tap, we confirm our flavored base oils qualify as Extra Virgin and, in most cases, we have the chemical and sensory analysis of the base oil component to prove it.
Continue to look for more expansion of Fused, Naturally Flavored and Infused Olive Oils in the future.
Flavored Olive Oils at The Olive Tap
Here's a sample of our Flavored Oils by flavoring process.
Fused or Fusion:
Naturally Flavored or Additive:
Infused or Infusion:
How to Use Flavored Olive Oils
Convenience and flavor are two key reasons to use flavored olive oils in recipes. We have a vast library of recipes using our Flavored Olive Oils. Even better, you can type the keyword “Basil” in the Recipe Search Bar and all the recipes using Basil Olive Oil or Basil will be listed. Check it out!
Flavored Oils, regardless of the flavoring process, are very popular in Vinaigrettes and as a Marinade. Here’s a few tips and links to get you started.
Making the Perfect Vinaigrette
Do you need to understand how to “pair” flavored olive oils with the right vinegar? Be sure to review our “Perfect Pairings” for the ultimate taste experience.
Taste Flavored Olive Oils
Both quality flavoring methods and base olive oils (EVOO) are key to the best taste experience for all of your culinary creations using flavor-infused olive oils. We encourage customers to visit one of our Olive Tap locations so you can Taste The Olive Tap Difference." In the event, you cannot visit one of our stores, our detailed product descriptions, strive to bring the taste to you online.
Buon appetito!
“Taste the Difference, Experience the Quality”
