Proofing Olive Oil

[Kiti Williams]

Many soap receipts call for Olive Oil, but how do you know your Olive Oil is the real stuff? Yes, there are some fabulous fakes out there. I have found that the true Olive Oils will "ice up" when placed in the Fridge. That is to say, it will become cloudy and a very firm gel. I proof one or two bottles whenever I buy a new set of Olive Oil. Here is what it looks like.

 

[IrishLass]

Unfortunately, the fridge test is not a sure-fire thing for at least 2 reasons: 1) If 100% extra virgin OO is winterized, i.e., chilled and filtered (something that producers will sometimes do in order to keep it from going solid on cellar shelves in the winter), it will remain fluid/pourable even though stored in the fridge and only go slightly solid if stored in the freezer. 2) Fake OO can be cut with lesser-grade oils that thicken and become cloudy upon refrigeration.


IrishLass

 

[Kiti Williams]

Unfortunately, the fridge test is not a sure-fire thing for at least 2 reasons: 1) If 100% extra virgin OO is winterized, i.e., chilled and filtered (something that producers will sometimes do in order to keep it from going solid on cellar shelves in the winter), it will remain fluid/pourable even though stored in the fridge and only go slightly solid if stored in the freezer. 2) Fake OO can be cut with lesser-grade oils that thicken and become cloudy upon refrigeration.


IrishLass

So I was scolded for on one of my other forums. There are a lot of fakes out there, though.

 

[earlene]

I believe that finding reliable sources is the best bet when it comes to purchasing oils.