Spotting the Real Deal vs. the Imposter: Olive Oil vs. Seed Oil
Is your olive oil a fraud?
Olive oil is a kitchen staple that we all know and love. The fresh and fruity aroma with a balanced peppery and smooth taste makes for an amazing ingredient to cook and top food with. Not only does olive oil make for a delicious topping, it also makes for a moisturizing addition to our skincare routine.
However, the food industry is flooded with adulterated ingredients poisoning our beloved recipes without us even knowing. More times than not, the olive oil you see on the shelf of your local grocery store is contaminated with seed oils such as canola oil or soybean oil.
Learning to recognize if your olive oil is real or a fraud is a crucial skill you should acquire.
Why are Seed Oils so Harmful?
Seed oils like sunflower or canola oil contain high levels of omega-6 which can lead to inflammation all over your body, which then can lead to various health issues such as heart disease. These oils are so overly contaminated with chemicals, ultra-high heating processes, and so much more toxic refining. You are left with a product barely edible. Consuming these oils internally or topically will not only hurt you short term, but damage your health in the long run.
Knowing the Type
The term “extra virgin” refers to the highest quality and purity of olive oil. This term means that the liquid gold is made from first cold pressing the olives, without any chemical treatments or heat. What this does is it preserves the natural flavors and nutrients, resulting in the robust flavor we all know and love.
EVOO also has a low acidity level which indicates minimal processing, in order to retain the amazing antioxidants and polyphenols, making the real stuff highly nutritious.
Knowing the Source
Buying from trusted sources like specialty stores, farmers’ markets, or reputable online retailers is the first step you can take to buying the real deal. High-quality producers often provide detailed information, ensuring the value of the product.
If you are buying from your local grocery store keep these following things in mind:
The Bottle
Packaging matters. Opt for dark glass bottles or tins which hide the oil from light. AVOID clear plastic bottles at all costs (this is what they store processed seed oils in).
The Origin
Be careful when a bottle of olive oil says it has multiple places of origin. Look for bottles with a single country listed on the bottle.
The Taste and Smell
Real olive oil should have a peppery, grassy, or fruity smell and a strong taste. Fake olive oils will smell bland and rancid, because they are polluted with lab made additives.
The Price
Pure olive oil is an investment. If you want the real stuff you must be willing to spend a few bucks. There is a reason canola oil is so cheap…you get what you pay for.
Avoid Misleading Marketing
Any company can slap on key words like “cold pressed” or “authentic” to make you think their product is legit. Focus on actually reading the fine print and certifications.
Ensuring Authenticity in Every Drop
Pure olive oil is a delicacy that you must have an eye out for. By understanding all the necessary steps to differentiate truth from fraud, you can easily enjoy all the benefits of authentic extra virgin olive oil!
Feel free to read this article about how REAL olive oil is made:
How is Olive Oil Made: A Step-by-step Guide
That's what we use in all of our products. From our tallow soap to our bone balm. Authentic and certified organic extra virgin olive oil from Tunisia. That's a big reason why our customers love our soap. No ingredient is compromised and we ensure the highest quality!
Ask yourself next time you shop or cook: is your olive oil a fraud?
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