Gourmet Cooking & Living Review: Olive Oil Clubs

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Which Olive Oil Club is the Best?

To discover the huge difference in quality that fresh olive oil can make in your cooking, and even as a condiment, you can try an olive oil club. Olive oil clubs are a fantastic way to get a curated collection of the best olive oils in the country or on the planet, depending on the club you join.

These clubs source the most delicious varieties from all over the world. They do all the homework and deliver you the finest quality olive oils. Most of the clubs also believe in educating people about different olive oils and offer educational resources so you can gain experience to know how to curate olive oils for your own palate and cooking preferences. It can be a wonderful adventure - or a dependable way to have consistent, quality oils.

Be prepared for a shock. The excellent, fresh olive oils you will receive from any club will be a new experience. The fresher the olive oil is, the more you will taste a peppery, grassy flavor note in the back of your throat. Some clubs also infuse their oils with garlic, ginger, or lemon. One even offers bacon-infused olive oil - and best of all, any of these oils make lovely gifts.

How does an olive oil club work? Such subscriptions generally deliver monthly, though some clubs offer deliveries every 2, 3, 4, or 6 months. They will source the olive oil, select delicious options, and ship it to you. You choose how often you want to receive it. It's that simple.

Once you find the right club, you only need to choose how much olive oil you want delivered, where you'd like it to come from, whether or not it's a gift for someone else, and how often you want it delivered.

It's pretty easy to find a club that is the perfect fit - whether you are treating yourself or a friend. There are clubs for those who want to buy with sustainability in mind, clubs for the adventurous palates, clubs for the discerning at-home chef, and more.

With all the olive oil clubs available, how do you know which club to choose? Here are some things to think about as you decide:

• Club focus. What is your focus? Are you passionate about organic, regenerative farming? Do you prefer small-lot sourced oils? Are you interested in becoming an olive oil expert? Are you looking for adventure and curious about the different countries where the olive oil is produced? Look at each club and find one that matches your lifestyle and focus.
• Origin and flavor. Are you only interested in olive oil from Tuscany? Do you have Portuguese ancestry and want to try its olive oil? Perhaps you just came back from a vacation to Greece and you are craving the olive oil you tried in that adorable little restaurant in Lesbos. Maybe you want to be more sustainable and choose olive oils from California. Do you like intense, robust flavor and the idea of attending or creating an olive oil tasting party, or do you prefer an everyday cooking olive oil? Look at the club that most closely matches your flavor and/or origin preferences.
• Variety or consistency? Do you want a new experience with every delivery or would you prefer a consistent olive oil every month? Would you like add-ons? Many olive oil clubs also offer jarred vegetables and/or fruits, breadsticks, vinegars, or even skin care to add on to your oil club subscription.
• In the pantry or on the counter? How much olive oil do you want or need in a month? Are you interested in stocking your pantry in bulk or are you leaning toward a beautifully-designed bottle for daily use to display on your counter? Freshness is a key factor in this decision: if you don't go through a lot of olive oil, or if you are trying many different varieties, it may be beneficial to go with a smaller delivery.
• Return or cancellation policy. We all love delicious olive oil, but what happens if you join a club and receive a damaged package? What if you just really don't like the olive oil selection for a month? What does the club offer in the form of a returns policy when these issues arise? What commitment is required if you decide in the middle of your subscription that you need a break? Is there a penalty for canceling a subscription early? Each club has different policies, so it's a good idea to check before you commit so you won't be surprised in the event that an issue like this comes up.
• Gifting options and perks. Club subscriptions can make a perfect gift for a family member, friend, or client. Does the club have special perks that will make the receiver feel special? Some offer really amazing newsletters, complimentary breadsticks or surprise treats, or even dipping plates or access to cooking classes or olive oil tastings.

Olive oil clubs are plentiful, so Top Consumer Reviews has ranked today's most popular subscriptions to help you choose. Buon Appetito!