This topic may sound a bit unexpected but is essential for anyone who appreciates the liquid gold of the culinary world – extra virgin olive oil.
You might think you’re drizzling the real deal onto your salads and pasta, but the shocking truth is that the olive oil market is flooded with fake or subpar products.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through the dark side of olive oil to unravel the secrets of fake extra virgin olive oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Culinary Gem
Let’s talk about the star of the show – extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This liquid gold isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a cherished ingredient that’s been celebrated for centuries for its distinct flavor and health benefits.
Made from the first pressing of fresh olives without the use of heat or chemicals, EVOO is known for its health benefits, robust fruity flavor, and a delightful aroma that can elevate any dish it touches.
Why Fake EVOO Exists
So, why the need for fake EVOO? Well, it all comes down to money, my friends. Genuine extra virgin olive oil is expensive to produce. It requires careful adherence to tradition, cultivation, harvesting, and pressing of only the best olives.
For EVOO, the olives must be in pristine condition, and the oil extraction process must meet specific standards. All of this makes authentic EVOO costlier to produce, and subsequently, more costly to purchase.
Enter the shady side of the industry, where unscrupulous producers and distributors see an opportunity to make a quick buck. They start cutting corners, diluting pure EVOO with lower-quality oils, and they use deceptive labeling to sell their subpar products as the real deal. The result? Consumers like you and me end up with bottles of liquid that are far from the quality we paid for.
The worst possible scenario is that fake EVOO’s may contain other refined oils that are not olive oil.
I don’t worry because I buy from a reputable single farm, and I stick to a specific brand, Atlas from Morocco. But, if I were still searching for that special brand, this news of fake olive oil would scare the crap out of me!
How to spot fake EVOO – Knowledge is power
- Check the Label: Look for certifications and seals of authenticity. The European Union PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels, as well as the USDA Organic seal, are good indicators of quality. However, some counterfeiters have become adept at forging these labels. Some bottles have many labels of authenticity that are not easy to replicate. Do your research before you buy.
- Read the Ingredients: Real EVOO should contain only one ingredient: olives. If you see any other oils listed, especially cheaper ones like soybean or canola oil, put that bottle back on the shelf! High-quality extra virgin olive oil will display the date that it was harvested along with the origin of the olives, and usually, multiple certifications.
- Examine the Packaging: Authentic high quality EVOO is usually stored in dark glass bottles to protect it from UV light, which can cause it to spoil. If the oil is in a clear or plastic bottle, it’s possibly not a reputable source. However, some high-quality extra virgin olive oils are packaged in dark colored plastic bottles. That’s where knowledge comes into the picture.
- Look for a Harvest Date: EVOO doesn’t improve with age. It’s best when fresh, so check for a harvest date on the label. If there isn’t one, be suspicious. If there is a harvest date listed, it should be recent within about one to two years.
- Perform a Taste Test: This is the fun part! Real EVOO has a distinctive taste – fruity, slightly peppery, and a touch of bitterness. If it tastes flat or bland, it might not be genuine. Also, the acidity level in fake EVOO is unchecked. This may result in a very bitter aftertaste and could upset your stomach or cause diarrhea. If drinking a tablespoon causes a bitter aftertaste that lingers, or causes you to have indigestion, it’s probably a good idea not to buy that oil.
- Do the Fridge Test: Authentic EVOO will become thicker and even solidify when refrigerated due to its high monounsaturated fat content. If your oil remains liquid in the fridge or separates, it could be a fake.
The Consequences of Fake EVOO
Using fake EVOO not only disappoints your taste buds but can also have serious health implications. Lower-quality oils used in counterfeit products may lack the heart-healthy benefits that genuine EVOO offers, and could actually be detrimental to your health. Some counterfeiters use chemicals and other additives that can harm you as well.
Furthermore, the fraud in the olive oil industry hurts honest producers and farmers who pour their lives into crafting high-quality products. This deception tarnishes the reputation of a time-honored culinary tradition.
The Fight Against Fraud
Thankfully, there are organizations and experts working tirelessly to combat fake EVOO. Olive oil testing laboratories, like the one at the University of California, Davis, use state-of-the-art technology to identify fraudulent products. They conduct chemical and sensory analyses to determine the authenticity and quality of olive oil samples.
Additionally, world-wide governments and regulatory bodies are cracking down on counterfeit olive oil. They’re imposing stricter labeling requirements and conducting inspections to ensure that consumers get what they pay for.
Tips for Buying Genuine EVOO
Now that you’re armed with knowledge on how to spot fake EVOO, let’s talk about how to ensure you’re buying the real deal:
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Stick to well-established brands and reputable producers. Specialty stores and local producers often have a direct stake in maintaining the quality of their olive oil because their reputation is at stake.
- Know Your Suppliers: If you have a local olive oil producer or supplier, get to know them. Building a relationship with a trusted source can guarantee a consistent supply of genuine EVOO.
- Explore Olive Varieties: Different olive varieties produce distinct flavors of olive oil. Experiment with different types to find the flavor profile that you like.
The world of extra virgin olive oil isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are some bad actors out there trying to pass off fake EVOO as the real thing. But armed with knowledge and a discerning palate, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this culinary deception.
So, the next time you reach for that bottle of EVOO, take a moment to inspect the label, do a taste test, and remember that real extra virgin olive oil is worth its weight in gold. It’s worth your investment in quality, flavor, and health. Don’t let the fakes fool you; treat yourself to the genuine liquid gold of the Mediterranean.
Please leave comments, questions or suggestions below.
Tom – Olive Oil Lover
