EXTRA VIRGIN OIL:   They are robust in flavor.  As with wine, the characteristics of an individual oil depend on the olive varietal and where it's grown.  Many high-end and imported extra virgin olive oils state on the bottle where the olives came from and the kind or kinds that were used to produce that particular oil (often a blend).

This olive oil ranges in color from pale golden to deep  emerald and has a pronounced fruity, sometimes peppery taste.  Because of the flavor of extra virgin oil can diminish with heat, it's often used to finish a dish, drizzled over pasta or whisked into a vinaigrette (though many chef,s cook with it to).

REGULAR OLIVE OIL:  Also called pure or light olive oil, which are simply marketing tags and not an indication of nutritional qualities, this olive oil is a blend of refined olive oil and extra virgin olive oil.  It costs less and has a mild flavor.  Use it when you want to preserve the flavors of the food rather than impart the character of the oil to it.  We often use it for sautés or stir-fries.

CANOLA OIL:  Derived from a strain of rapeseed in Canada in the 1970,s that yields oil with lower acidity than traditional rapeseed , this oil,s name is an amalgam of words "Canada" and "oil".  Canola oil continues to be a major export crop for it's namesake country.  It is high in both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and very low in saturated fat.  It's neutral flavor makes it a good choice when you don't want to detract from the flavor of food.

SESAME OIL:  This oil is pressed from crushed sesame seeds.  The lighter colored oil comes from raw seeds and possesses a mild, neutral taste.  The darker oil comes from toasted seeds and has a rich, nutty flavor.  What olive oil is to Mediterranean cuisine, dark sesame oil is to Asian food, use in salads, noodle dishes and stir-fries.

WALNUT OIL:  Unrefined walnut oil taste just like the nut from which it comes.  It is rich and flavorful (especially if made from toasted walnuts) and perfect as a finishing drizzle on salads, rice, pasta or even desserts like tarte tatin or rice pudding.

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