Toasted Sesame Oil

You used to have to trek to a gourmet shop for good sesame, pistachio, almond, and walnut oils, but now they share shelf space with corn oil at better grocery stores. These are healthy oils, and the variation in texture, flavor, and bite is wonderful. Use them as you might a top-shelf virgin olive oil: a light drizzle as the perfect finishing accent.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: La Tourangelle.
Its lovely sesame aroma evokes freshly roasted coffee with a hint of caramel; flavor is toasted without being too bitter. The priciest option we tested, but well worth the expense.

TASTE TEST AWARD: Whole Foods 365.
A nutty, nuanced oil that's bold but not bitter. Intensely roasty, toasty flavor with a clean finish.