Olá! Luís here again. In Portugal, olive oil is one of the most important ingredients in our kitchens. We use it in almost every dish, from frying to finishing, because it adds rich flavour and helps bring everything together. Olive oil is a pantry essential, and with the right choices, it can improve your everyday meals.
At Divino, we offer a range of olive oils to suit different cooking needs. Whether you’re frying, marinating or preparing fresh dressings, we’ve got the right olive oil for the job. Here’s a guide to help you select the perfect olive oil for your kitchen, plus a few ideas on how to use it.
The versatility of olive oil
Olive oil is used in many different ways in Portuguese cooking. It’s not just for drizzling over dishes; it’s essential for frying, marinating and making dressings. Understanding which olive oil is best for each purpose can help you make the most of this versatile ingredient.
Frying? Look for a high smoke point
When frying, you need an olive oil that can withstand high heat without breaking down. The best olive oils for frying are those with a higher smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to burn and lose its flavour.
Our go to: Gallo Subtil Olive Oil 750ml / 3lt
This olive oil is a great all-purpose option for frying. It’s mild in flavour and can handle higher temperatures, making it perfect for everything from sautéing vegetables to frying potatoes.
How to use:
Use it to sauté onions, fry chicken, or cook up a quick vegetable stir-fry. It’s also ideal for making crispy, golden chips.
Marinating? Look for rich flavours for tender meats and vegetables
When marinating meats, vegetables, or seafood, you need an olive oil that enhances the flavours without overpowering them. A good marinating olive oil should have a smooth, balanced taste that complements the other ingredients, like garlic, herbs, or citrus.
Our go to: Qampo Olive Oil Subtil
This olive oil has a delicate, well-rounded flavour, making it perfect for marinating. It enhances the taste of meats, poultry, and grilled vegetables without overwhelming the other ingredients.
How to use:
Mix with herbs, garlic, vinegar, or lemon for a simple yet flavourful marinade. It’s ideal for tenderising meats before grilling or roasting, and it also works wonderfully for marinating vegetables.
For a finishing touch, drizzle over grilled meats or roasted vegetables to add extra richness and depth.
Dressing? Look for something light and fresh for salads
For fresh dressings, you need an olive oil with a light, fruity flavour that enhances your ingredients without dominating them. A good olive oil should elevate the freshness of your vegetables and complement the other flavours in the dressing.
Our go to: Olive Oil Oliveira da Serra Clássico
This olive oil has a delicate, fruity taste that’s perfect for dressings. It’s mild enough to mix with vinegar or lemon, adding depth without being overpowering.
How to use:
For a simple dressing, mix olive oil with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Add salt and pepper, then shake or whisk together.
It’s ideal for drizzling over green salads, grain salads, or roasted vegetables, bringing out the natural flavours without overwhelming them.
Building your olive oil collection
At Divino, we offer a range of olive oils to suit different needs. Here are some key products you should consider keeping in your kitchen for everyday cooking:
– Ideal for frying and general cooking. It has a mild flavour and can handle higher temperatures.
– A smooth, balanced olive oil perfect for marinating meats, seafood and vegetables.
Olive Oil Oliveira da Serra Clássico
– Great for dressings, drizzling over dishes, and enhancing the flavours of fresh salads.
Why Portuguese olive oil?
Portuguese olive oils are some of the best in the world. The country’s warm, sunny climate, along with its rich soil, helps create olive oils with fresh, vibrant flavours.
From the Alentejo region, known for its full-bodied oils, to the more delicate oils from the Douro Valley, there’s a wide variety of flavours to choose from.
Using Portuguese olive oil not only enhances your cooking but also connects you to a centuries-old tradition of olive farming in Portugal.
Whether you're cooking a hearty stew or preparing a fresh salad, a few drops of quality olive oil can make all the difference.
Olive oil and health benefits
Besides being delicious, olive oil has many health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which are good for your heart and help lower inflammation.
Studies show that a diet high in olive oil can help prevent chronic diseases, making it a great addition to your daily meals.
Shop Olive Oils at Divino
We know that quality olive oil makes all the difference in your cooking. That’s why we’ve carefully selected the best Portuguese olive oils for our customers. Whether you’re frying, marinating or making a dressing, our olive oils are here to help you get the most out of every meal.
Browse our full range of olive oils at Divino.je
Saúde and happy cooking!