Lovers of olive oil are in a tizzy as a drought in Spain, one of the world's largest producers of the golden liquid, has fuelled fears of a shortage.
But several alternatives await food lovers. How about walnut oil, generally made in the Perigord and Burgundy regions of France?
The taste is incredibly intense and you would need just a thimbleful for your salad. There are economic reasons for being sparing as well. Walnut oil costs about £20 a litre at Vom Fass, a German company specialising in vinegars, liqueurs, exotic (and expensive) blends of olive oil as well other oils. Pumpkin seed oil also packs a powerful punch and a little drop would liven up any salad for those who would no more drizzle vegetable oil on their roquette as they would bite into a big Mac.
Richard Mosconi, the managing of director of Vom Fass in the UK, makes the pitch for pumpkin seed and walnut oils not just on foodie grounds but for health nuts.
"People shouldn't just use olive oil. Walnut and pumpkin seed oils have Omega 3, 6 and 9, which have been shown to be very good for your health," Mr Mosconi said at the Vom Fass stand in the food hall at Selfridges. "Omega 3 is good for articulation for example."
Hemp oil is also tickling British palates, judging by the success of Good Oil, a venture started by Henry Braham, a director of photography, and his wife Glynis Murray - who runs her own production company. Hemp oil also contains fatty acids, minerals and proteins that are good for you so it can also appeal on culinary and health grounds.
So olive oil lovers need not fear. Refined palates have several tasty alternatives.
