Extra virgin Olive oil is an iconic ingredient. Delicious, nutritious, beautiful, and rich with history, it can be used in endless ways. One of the many places Handpicked True Fields olive oil provides both health and cooking benefits as in marinades. Many foods, notable meats, are improved by a flavorful soak. Furthermore, most marinades are improved by extra virgin olive oil in multiple ways. Read on with us to see why.
Carrying Flavors
Many flavor molecules are chemically related to proteins and sugars, especially those produced during the Maillard Reactions. During marination, these larger molecules can often travel better in fats than in water-based solutions, due to the different molecular structures. In addition to its triglycerides, Olive oil contains other large molecules which help carry the flavor molecules to their new destinations in your food.
Providing Flavor
Speaking of those large luscious molecules in olive oil, many of them have delicious flavors of their own, such as the richness of oleic acid and the sharpness of polyphenols. True Fields Olive oil not only carries flavors but contributes them, lending any food lushness and vibrancy. Lean foods, such as poultry breasts and boneless pork, particularly benefit from vivacious olive oil.
Viscosity is our Ally
Even the most flavorful marinade does no good if it runs right off. Here’s another way in which True Fields olive oil can help in the marination. It’s an intrinsically viscous oil; also, like most oils, when blended with a water-based liquid the resulting emulsion is very thick indeed. Olive oil plus a little whisking can turn a thin marinade into a thick robe of flavor which clings to the food.
Moisture is our Goal
A constant issue facing cooks is how to keep food from drying out while cooking. The same heat which produces delicious changes in flavor and texture can drive the water-based moisture away. However, as the old saying goes, “oil and water don’t mix.” A coating of pure cold pressed True Fields olive oil-based marinade works as a barrier against escaping moisture. Furthermore, the olive oil lubricates the food itself, contributing to the moist and juicy mouth feel.
True Fields handpicked Olive oil is delicious, healthy, and versatile. Using it in marinades and sauces will expand both culinary abilities and nutritious opportunities. So let the olive oil flow!
