Friday, July 19

 
The Five Olive Oils of France

France produces only 2 percent of the world's olive oil, but, because they are French, they've gone and appellation-controleed the whole process. That means, as with wine, there are five distinct growing regions around the country, and only the olive oil produced in a particular region, such as the Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, can bear that particular appellation. This article in the International Herald Tribune by Patricia Wells explains the differences among them, notes characteristic flavors and suggests best uses.
posted by Unknown 8:49 AM