Blended olive oils, often referred to as blended or mixed olive oils, are a combination of different types of olive oils that have been carefully blended together to create a unique flavor profile and aroma. This blending process can involve various factors, including the types of olives used, their ripeness, and the region or country of origin.
Blended olive oils can be a harmonious fusion of different flavors and characteristics, resulting in a well-balanced and versatile cooking oil.
The blending of olive oil may produce the uniqueness of a desired flavor, however blended olive oil generally has less health benefits than extra virgin olive oil. By mixing olive oils, a chef can find the exact ingredients necessary to finish a delicious masterpiece.
Now, let’s look a bit deeper into what makes blended olive oils unique and why they are favored by many in the culinary world.
Types of Olive Oils in Blends
Blended olive oils typically include a mix of extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, and sometimes even refined olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its health benefits, robust flavor and strong aroma, while virgin olive oil is slightly milder. Refined olive oil, on the other hand, has a more neutral flavor and minimal health benefits.
By combining these different types, blenders can achieve a wide range of flavor profiles to suit various cooking applications. Virgin, refined and light olive oils are each processed in different ways, while extra virgin olive oil is cold pressed directly after harvesting allowing the health benefits of the olive to be retained in the finished product.
Blending Process
Olive oil producers carefully select olives from different varieties and regions to achieve a desired flavor. The olives are often harvested at different stages of ripeness to balance the oil’s characteristics.
The processing of blended olive oil often includes the use of heat and added chemicals which greatly reduces the health benefits. Some may even incorporate specialty oils, such as those infused with herbs, spices, or citrus, to add unique notes to the blend.
Every ingredient is required to be listed on the bottle, so look for any non-olive oils and check for added ingredients. Some producers of blended olive oils don’t list the ingredients because they are hiding the additives that create the blend.
Since each type of oil – extra virgin, virgin, refined and light – are processed differently, your body may react to a blend much differently than it does to extra virgin olive oil.
I would recommend that you first find your favorite pure extra virgin olive oil and then decide which blended oils to try. The task of finding your favorite EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) may be quick, or it may take you some time to try many different EVOO’s.
Choosing a blended olive oil is similar to finding your favorite EVOO. You are better off starting your quest with single origin extra virgin olive oil so that you reap the health benefits of EVOO while you are experimenting.
By the time you find your favorite extra virgin olive oil, you may find that you no longer have any interest in choosing a blended olive oil.
Balancing Act
Blended olive oils are all about balance. The goal is to create a harmonious oil that doesn’t overpower the dish but enhances its flavor. The process of choosing involves meticulous tasting and adjusting by master producers to ensure the right blend of fruity, bitter, and peppery notes.
It’s like a chef adjusting seasonings to achieve the perfect flavor profile in a dish. A blended olive oil product that incorporates any virgin, refined or light olive oils will also increase the oil’s smoke point. That is probably the greatest benefit of adding a blended olive oil to your kitchen.
Regional Variations
Just as wines have their terroir, olive oils have their unique regional characteristics. Blenders may source olives from different parts of the world, such as Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, or California, each offering its own unique flavor profile.
The result is a blended olive oil that captures the essence of multiple regions, like taking a culinary journey through olive groves around the globe.
Versatility
Blended olive oils are versatile in the kitchen. Their balanced flavor makes them suitable for a wide range of culinary applications. You can use them for light frying, sautéing, roasting, grilling, drizzling over salads, or as a dip for crusty bread.
It’s like having a Swiss Army knife in your kitchen – a multi-purpose tool for all your cooking needs. The emphasis here is on cooking needs and not on health benefits. So, imagine a Swiss Army knife without its main blade. I personally would not purchase that knife.
Quality Assurance
Quality is paramount in the world of olive oil, and this holds true for blended olive oils. Reputable producers adhere to strict quality standards, ensuring that the olives are grown, harvested, and processed with deep tradition and care.
Look for certifications like “extra virgin” or “PDO” (Protected Designation of Origin) on the label to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product. If you are unable to determine the origin of the ingredients, that is a sign that it is potentially fake olive oil.
Taste the Blend
If you’re curious about blended olive oils, I’d recommend trying a few different oils to explore their diverse flavors. You’ll be surprised at how each blend can add a unique dimension to your dishes.
Most popular olive oils that you will find in your local supermarket are blended olive oils. It’s best to research the brand before buying it. The blended extra virgin olive oil that you find in your local store is not blended for culinary purposes. They are blended because they buy the lowest cost olives to process. You should avoid any brand that hides the origin of the olives. If they hide the origin and harvest date, what else are they hiding?
In the culinary world, blended olive oils are the result of a process that combines different types of olive oils to create a well-balanced and versatile culinary masterpiece. They offer a wide range of flavors, making them a go-to choice for chefs and home cooks alike.
So, whether you’re sautéing, drizzling, or dipping, consider giving high quality blended olive oil a try to enhance your culinary adventures. Just remember to avoid store bought blended olive oils such as Kirkland, Pompeian, Trader Joe’s and others.
If you are interested in olive oil solely for its many reputed health benefits, I recommend that you choose only the highest quality, single origin, extra virgin olive oil, such as Atlas, from Morocco.
Please leave comments, questions or suggestions below.
Tom – Olive Oil Lover
