Carapelli Olive Oil- a Taste Test and a great recipe!

This post brought to you by Carapelli. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was asked by the folks at Carapelli Olive Oil to do a taste test on their Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  And I’m not the kinda person to just turn down free food, so I told them that I would be thrilled to check it out.  I’m trying to go healthier with my eating and olive oil is definitely the way to go if your are trying to eat better foods.

Substituting olive oil in place of other oils can help lower your risk of heart disease by improving related risk factors.  It can help lower your total cholesterol levels, and may also even help benefit those with diabetes who may have difficulty with insulin levels and blood sugar control.

All that and it tastes good too.  You can’t beat that!

Carapelli Olive Oil is is from the small town of Montevarchi, Italy, where generations of experienced artisans have crafted Carapelli’s oils with exclusive blends of the best oils from the finest Mediterranean olive groves.  They have been making high quality olive oil since 1893 and now reign as Italy’s number one Extra Virgin Olive oil.

Carapelli has three distinct lines of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, including:
Premium 100% Italian– made solely from the first cold pressing of the finest 100% Italian olives with an intense, robust flavor and aroma.
II Numerato– a supremely smooth and low acidity oil that is a result of a delicate cold pressing of olives.
Organic– Obtained only from organically grown olives and produced according to organic farming standards; certified USDA organic.

Carapelli asked me to do a taste test, so I asked my mom to do the honors.  She just got back from a trip on a Disney World cruise ship, and I figured since she didn’t bring me along, this was the least she could do.  Ha!  Well, actually, mom was more than happy to try it out. She is the chef in the family after all.

An olive oil taste test includes the “Four S’s”- Swirl, Sniff, Slurp, and Swallow.  Just like wine tasting.

1. Mom swirls the olive oil in her glass to release the oil’s aroma.  Please note the Mickey Mouse jewelry.  Mom is still on a “Disney” high.

2. The next step is to inhale deeply.  The aroma is subtle, and very nice.

3. Sipping the oil to take note of the various tastes and sensations.  Mom found the oil had a mild smooth fruity flavor.

4. Swallow- the oil should leave your mouth with no aftertaste.  Smooth and delicious.

Not one for drinking your oil and running?  Well neither am I.  So check out Carapelli’s website where you will find lots of great recipes and even a  $1.00 OFF coupon at www.CarapelliUSA.com!  Here’s a simple recipe that I found on their site that even I could do!
Chipotle Grilled Shrimp 
Ingredients 
3 canned chipotle peppers in adobe sauce 
2 garlic cloves, minced 
1/4 cup Carapelli extra virgin olive oil 
1/4 cup fresh lime juice 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined ** 

Cooking Directions 
In blender, combine chilies, garlic, olive oil, lime juice and salt. Process until smooth. Place mixture in large plastic food storage bag. Add shrimp. Marinate shrimp in refrigerator for 1 hour. 

Prepare grill. Wearing rubber gloves, remove shrimp from marinade. Thread shrimp onto skewers. Grill shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes turning once until shrimp are pink and just firm. Serves 4. 

** Scallops may also be substituted for the shrimp 
Preparation Time: 20 minutes 
Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes 
Wine Suggestion: Chardonnay, Riesling