Olive Oils from Spain recently gathered food writers and culinary creators in New York to attend a practical course led by internationally renowned olive oil expert Nicholas Coleman, where they learned how to taste, select, and pair extra virgin olive oil from Spain like professionals.

This event is part of the " All in a Drop " promotional campaign, and it will be held at The Musket Room. It is accompanied by a four-course dinner designed exclusively by the restaurant's head chef, Noah Ponjuan. The event will be co-hosted by James Beard Award winner and best-selling author Andy Baraghani.

That evening, the theme revolved around “sobremesa”, a Spanish tradition that refers to staying by the dining table after the meal has ended to continue enjoying conversation and companionship. It is also the perfect time to slow down and savor the Spanish flavors more thoroughly.

Andy Baraghani means: "For me, sobremesa is like the meal is over, but no one gets up to leave the table. You pour a little more wine, tear off a piece of bread, and continue to talk about those topics that didn't get a chance to be discussed during dinner. High-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil should appear at this moment – to allow us to keep talking while dipping and eating, until the night slowly passes. I really enjoy having such a term. When guests come over to my house, I also hope everyone can relax and stay a little longer, even though I have already started eating dessert. Thank you to Olive Oils, from, and Spain for inviting me to co-host such a night filled with sobremesa atmosphere."

What is the most important takeaway from that night? Not all extra-virgin olive oils are the same; understanding these differences can make even the simplest meal more flavorful.

Meet three types of extra virgin olive oil from Spain that are worth knowing about

Spain is the largest olive oil producer in the world, with over 200 varieties of olives, each capable of producing extra virgin olive oil with unique flavors. Coleman introduced three types of olive oil to the guests, which are suitable for regular use in the kitchen and suitable for those who love good food and pay attention to healthy choices:

• ArbequinaThe "sweet pie" among Spanish extra virgin olive oils. It has a smooth texture, rich fruity flavor, and delicate taste, with a hint of apple and almond aromas. It can be drizzled over vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, or chocolate desserts.
• HojiblancaA daily all-round choice from Andalusia. Fresh, with a herbal flavor and balanced taste, with a slight peppery note. Suitable for salads, grilled vegetables, or grilled fish.
• PicualFrom Hahn, and also a world-famous "Queen" variety. It has a strong, bold flavor, a robust taste with a peppery sensation and a slight bitterness, along with an obvious aroma of fresh tomato vines. It can be drizzled over steaks, roasted potatoes, or any hearty dish that can handle its intense flavor.

Musket Room Chef Noah Ponjuan says: "As a chef, it's always exciting to be able to learn about and use the highest quality products. Spanish extra virgin olive oil has always been a staple in our restaurant's bread service and culinary applications. We are very pleased to celebrate and gain a deeper understanding of these three outstanding olive oils."

5 Tips for Tasting and Selecting Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil Like a Professional

You don't need to be a sommelier to appreciate high-quality olive oil. Coleman shares several simple methods that anyone can try at home.

• Warm it up first.Pour a small amount into a cup and gently warm it with your hands, which helps to release the aroma.
• Smell it.Take a deep breath. Depending on the variety, you may smell freshly cut grass, green apples, vanilla, or almonds; these scents should be fresh and clean, reminding us that this is an oil derived from fruits.
• Taste a bite.Let olive oil envelop your tongue; pay attention to the fruity flavors, bitterness, and peppery sensation. These three are the key characteristics of extra virgin olive oil.
• Don't be afraid of the peppery sensation.The slight irritation in the back of the throat indicates that this oil is rich in natural phenolic compounds, which are known for their powerful antioxidant properties. The peppery finish is an indispensable part of the experience of extra virgin olive oil.
• View the bottle body.Be sure to check the best consumption date on the packaging. Dark or opaque containers help to preserve the natural properties of olive oil. And remember to store it away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Coleman says, "Spain is home to some of the world's finest producers of extra virgin olive oil. Many single-family olive groves have been producing olive oil for generations, offering beloved olive varieties such as Picual, Arbequina, Hojiblanca, and Cornicabra. The best producers in Spain use state-of-the-art pressing equipment to extract olive oil in a temperature-controlled and hygienic environment, which are all key components of quality. They combine tradition with innovation, allowing us to connect with a deeper history, culture, and cuisine."

Bring Spanish flavor home

This is not only a tasting event, but also an invitation: to personally experience sobremesa and to discover how just a few drops of the right olive oil can transform a meal.

Teresa P says: rez Mill, "Spanish extra virgin olive oil is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, but there are still many ways to discover and enjoy it. Spain's rich variety of olive varieties brings a world of flavors and aromas, each with its own unique personality that can add to a dish. From finishing a simple salad to enhancing a family meal, to creating surprising desserts and creative cocktails, Spanish extra virgin olive oil opens up endless possibilities in cooking. It can elevate familiar recipes, inspire new combinations, and bring a unique texture to every dish, making every bite more memorable from the first to the last. I encourage everyone to explore its different flavors, to be bold in the kitchen, and to discover how just a few drops of authentic Spanish extra virgin olive oil can transform a dish, making every cooking experience more unforgettable."

For home cooks, the message is simple: the right olive oil not only adds flavor to salads but also enhances the taste of a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to desserts.

For more recipes, tasting tips, and inspiration, please visit www.oliveoilsfromspain.org / allinadrop. You can also follow @OliveOilsSpain on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Olive Oils From Spain

Olive Oils From Spain is a global promotion brand for the Spanish olive oil industry's cross-sectoral organization. This organization is a non-profit entity composed of all representative entities in the Spanish olive oil sector, including olive growers, cooperatives, oil presses, bottlers, and exporters. Its main goal is to promote this product and its industry image worldwide. Over the past seventeen years, the organization has carried out product promotion activities in approximately 30 countries across five continents.