You’ve Got a Few Flavorful Olive Oils in Your Cupboard — Now What?

If you’ve ever stood in front of your pantry staring at those pretty bottles of olive oil, wondering which one to grab...you’re not alone. Should you sauté with it? Drizzle it over something fancy? Or is this one just for dipping with warm bread (you know the kind)?

Here’s the good news...it doesn’t have to be complicated! Once you know a few simple tricks, you’ll pick the perfect oil every time and feel like a total Flavor Boss while you’re at it.

Step 1: What’s Cooking? (High Heat, Low Heat, or No Heat)

Start with the cooking method:

• High heat: For roasting or pan-searing, go with a versatile, heat-stable olive oil like Arbequina.
  
  
• Low heat: For gentle simmering or finishing warm dishes, use a medium-bodied oil.
  
  
• No heat: For dipping, drizzling, and dressing, reach for your boldest, most flavorful oils.
  
  

This ensures the oil complements your dish without breaking down.

Step 2: What’s the Flavor Goal? (Subtle or Bold)

Next, think about the flavor you want to bring out.

• Subtle oils let your main ingredients shine…perfect for sautéing veggies or searing proteins.
  
  
• Bold oils add their own personality, like a peppery drizzle over soup or a garlicky splash on bread.
  
  

Matching the oil’s personality to your dish makes all the difference.

Step 3: What’s the Season? (Let Fall Lead the Way)

Olive oils, just like produce, pair beautifully with the seasons. In fall, we naturally lean toward deeper, cozier flavors.

• Fall favorites: Tuscan Herb, Garlic, and robust extra virgin olive oils.
  
  
• Spring/summer picks: Lemon or Basil-infused oils that brighten lighter dishes.
  
  

This seasonal mindset helps your meals feel naturally in tune with the time of year.

Quick Examples for Everyday Cooking

Here are some easy, real-world pairings:

• High heat: Sear chicken breasts with Arbequina olive oil.
  
  
• Low heat: Simmer tomato sauce, then finish with Tuscan Herb.
  
  
• No heat: Drizzle Garlic olive oil over warm, crusty bread.
  
  
• Fall seasonal touch: Add Lemon oil to a kale salad for a citrusy lift.
  
  

Your Seasonal Olive Oil Cheat Sheet

Choosing olive oil doesn’t need to feel intimidating. With this three-step framework…method, flavor, season.. you’ll know exactly which bottle to grab.

👉 Download Cooking with Fall Flavor...your seasonal cheat sheet to make this easy.