So what does make a good flavour match for the humble olive?
At Olive Envy we are all about flavours, and creating sumptuous marinades and blends. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to flavour pairing with different food, a great match may be achieved by following a few simple guidelines.
Remember that opposites don’t always attract, also experience, instinct, and intuition will play a part in your search. It takes time to find the midpoint between flavours being mild versus something overpowering. Exciting combos are discovered between the intention and the true expression of your flavour pairing. Also, take into consideration the intensity of flavour of the olive variety you are using. (whether it’s heavy or light, loud or soft - e.g, Kalamatas = Loud)
Make sure that you’re pairing things that are complementary, so that both flavour characteristics are allowed to shine through.
Bold flavours, such as balsamic and fig, pair nicely, while a softer and more warming ginger and plum match just as well.
Same goes for temperature sensations. Together, hardcore flavours such as cooling menthol and fiery capsicum can create a discordant duo. Lesson being…use each flavour with restraint to underline your combinations. The Olives should still be the star.
Other things to take into consideration are the big five: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami. Try to create balance between these. Don’t have everything on one end or the other of your flavour spectrum.
Still have no idea on mixing and matching?
Here are some classic olive affinities which work when paired together:
Beef, Lamb, White fish, shellfish, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, almonds, capers, feta, capsicums, carrots, goat’s cheese, rosemary, thyme, oregano, juniper, anise, coriander seed, lemon, orange, white chocolate, strawberry, pomegranate, green beans, figs and chilli.
Try a few of these wonderful olive combinations in your next Olive Envy culinary expedition.
Our range of complimentary antipasto, condiments and sauces will help you craft a fabulous flavor match fit for all tastebuds 💃
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