Olive oils put to the test as chefs turn up the heat
Hundreds of chefs from some of the finest restaurants across Ireland have just finished taking part in a mammoth testing initiative, organised by Frylite, - sampling olive oils to ultimately determine which new range of olive oils, the strabane based edible oil specialist should bring to the market.
Frylite, which already supplies thousands of hotels and restaurants across the country with a range of healthy vegetable oils invited chefs to taste and cook with an Italian and Spanish olive oil before asking for their overall verdict. The results of which were unanimous with an extra virgin and pomace olive oil, from Italian producer Cremonini oils, topping the popularity league.
Talking about the survey, Jonathan Mclaughlin, Frylite’s Group Marketing Manager went on to explain. “We organised perhaps the largest ever olive oil tasting survey to be held in Ireland, the purpose of which was to put chefs taste buds to the test and help us to track down an oil which they loved, tasted great and was also fantastic to cook with. After the trials, the verdict was clear with Cremonini oils emerging as the chef’s ultimate favourite. In fact, such has been the response from some chefs, to the oils, that we’ve been asked by many if we could start to supply them well in advance of the planned launch which takes place at the IFEX food show later this month in Belfast.
At IFEX, Frylite will unveil their new range of authentic, Italian olive oils which includes a cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, characterised by its fruity taste and a pomace olive oil which offers a smooth taste, aroma and colour. Now sold in 150 countries world wide, both oils are produced in a traditional manner, using techniques perfected over generations and the finest olives which grow in the luscious valleys and hillsides that surround the town of Forli, near Bologna.
Talking about these exciting new developments for the company Jonathan went on to explain “We celebrate twenty years in business this year and are perhaps best known for our unique vegetable oil supply and waste oil collection service that we provide to thousands of restaurants up and down the country. We’ve grown rapidly over recent years and wanted to use our expert knowledge of the oil market and harness our reputation for product quality to supply an olive oil to chefs that not only tastes great but was good to cook with as well.”
He went on to add “There is no doubt that the restaurant scene in Ireland has changed dramatically in recent years and we’re responding to these changes, and the changing needs of chefs by bringing forward new products and a range of olive oils which are authentic, flavoursome and healthy. Cremonini also produce a wide range of speciality DOP regional oils, flavoured oils and vinegars and we plan to add these new products to our range on an evolving basis. Furthermore, as Ireland’s only edible oil specialist, we will continue to provide all of our customers with superior levels of service, product and market knowledge and expert advice on oil usage, storage and handling.
In fact, Frylite are so excited about their new range of olive oils that they will be holding a series of master classes on olive oil during the show and will be flying in an olive oil expert from Italy who will be on hand to answer questions. If you are a chef and would like to sample Frylite’s delicious new range of olive oils, head on down to stand B10 at IFEX or contact Jonathan McLaughlin, Frylite’s Group Marketing Manager on
00 44 (0) 78 94 19 4457 to arrange a taste test.