I lived in Dearborn, Michigan for about a decade of my life, and if you’re not familiar with Dearborn it is the largest Middle eastern populated city in the United States. Because of this you have Middle eastern markets all throughout the city selling olive oil, figs, dates, hummus and much more.
At this point in my life I’d go to these markets to shop because the prices were much cheaper as these items were imported directly from the middle east, many of the store owners had family or friends who had farms in the middle east and imported into their stores to sell here in the states.
One unfortunate truth that I uncovered however during this time was that different vendors would dilute olive oil with vegetable oils or seed oils in order to make the product cheaper and have more margin.
The olive oil could be mixed with a vegetable oil or seed oil in order to dilute it, make it cheaper and the vendor could then earn more. I wasn’t looking for cheap olive oil mixed with diluted and oxidized oils that cause inflammation however.
I’ve known about this for years and wrote an article on Healthy Wild Free about this years ago, but now I discovered a few simple tests to see if olive oil is real and wanted to share so that you can ensure that you’re getting the best, high quality olive oil that you can find.
In recent years, concerns about adulterated or fake olive oil have grown significantly. This counterfeit olive oil, often referred to as “Frankenstein” olive oil, poses serious issues regarding health, quality, and consumer trust. This article provides practical advice on how to distinguish real olive oil from its fraudulent counterparts.
Understanding Olive Oil Types
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil, made from pure, cold-pressed olives. It has a superior taste and retains more natural vitamins and minerals. It is known for its distinct flavor and aroma.
Frankenstein Olive Oil
This term describes adulterated olive oil that has been mixed with cheaper oils or chemically altered to mimic the appearance and taste of genuine olive oil. It often lacks the health benefits and rich flavor of real olive oil.
Odorless and Tasteless Olive Oil
Odorless and tasteless olive oil has undergone extensive processing, removing its natural flavors and aromas. While not necessarily fake, it is of lower quality compared to extra virgin olive oil as nutrients and beneficial compounds are harmed in this process.
6 Tests To Identify Real Olive Oil
Transparency Test
Method: Pour some olive oil into a transparent glass and place the glass on your phone’s camera flash. Turn on the flash and observe the oil through the light.
Why It Works: Real olive oil has a natural greenish-golden hue and will appear slightly cloudy. Adulterated oils may look too clear or overly bright due to added chemicals.
Refrigeration Test
Method: Put a small amount of olive oil in a refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Real olive oil will solidify and become cloudy.
Why It Works: Real olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that solidify at cold temperatures, whereas many adulterated oils remain liquid.
Taste and Smell Test
Method: Taste a small amount of olive oil and smell it. Real olive oil should have a peppery, slightly bitter taste and a fruity aroma.
Why It Works: Genuine extra virgin olive oil has distinctive flavors and aromas that are absent in most fake or heavily processed oils.
Bottle Label Test
Method: Check the label for details such as harvest date, region of origin, and certification logos from reputable organizations.
Why It Works: Authentic producers provide detailed information about the oil’s origin and quality. Lack of such information can be a red flag.
Price Check
Method: Compare prices of different olive oils. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Why It Works: High-quality extra virgin olive oil requires careful processing and is more expensive. Extremely low prices can indicate adulteration.
Cooking Behavior Test
Method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan. Real olive oil should emit a fruity smell and lightly smoke.
Why It Works: Adulterated oils often have higher smoke points and might smell differently when heated.
Importance of Vigilance
The presence of fake olive oil in the market undermines consumer trust and poses health risks. Regulatory authorities continue to monitor and test olive oil supplies to ensure authenticity and safety.
Empowering Consumers
Understanding these simple tests empowers you to verify the authenticity of olive oil before use, ensuring quality and safety for you and your family. Being equipped with this knowledge can provide peace of mind and help maintain the integrity of genuine olive oil producers.
Two Olive Oil Brands That I Personally Trust And Use..
- Paleovalley: They carry an organic, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. It’s quality is exceptional and very high quality. Click here to get 15% off this olive oil and even more of a discount if you order more bottles. Consumers rate this at 4.9 stars, practically perfect.
Click here to visit Paleovalley and get 15% off one of the best olive oil brands on the market. They also have delicious powders, jerky, superfood bars and seasonings. A lot of great food and food-powders. This link will give you 15% off your entire order, so take advantage of it!
- Kasandrinos Olive Oil: This oil is organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed and directly from a family farm in Greece that has been in the family for multiple generations. The olive oil is from olive trees in a valley far away from people in a secluded and pristine environment. You can taste the quality and difference with this olive oil.
Click here to visit Kasandrinos.com.
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