How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil? - PaleoHacks.com

How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T02:01:09Z

Apparently, sometimes oil labeled as olive oil is actually a mix of olive oil and other cheaper (e.g., soybean) oils. E.g.:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98401360

Is there any way to know if the "olive oil" in the clear glass pour bottle at the end of the salad bar is actually 100% olive oil? How likely is it that it's actually a mix with a cheaper oil?

Answer by Matt for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T03:20:47Z

You need one of those machines from CSI, NCIS, Bones, etc... that tells you the composition of something in exactly 2.2 seconds. That and who killed the prostitute with a heart of gold. Man, what don't those machines know?!

In reality, you'd probably need a GC/MS, pocket-sized preferrably.

Answer by Christine M. for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T03:29:57Z

If it's a restaurant (or grocery store) you frequent, ask what brand they use. Then research the brand to see if it's been tested for purity.

Answer by Happy Now for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T04:04:19Z

It is pretty likely that it is cut with something, perhaps even unbeknownst to the distributor. Counterfeit olive oil is freakishly common. http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/08/13/070813fa_fact_mueller

Answer by Eric for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T04:05:54Z

When eating out I usually pass on the olive oil and use just the vinegar....

Answer by meta for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T07:44:11Z

Mass spectrometer.

Can also become familiar with the smell and taste.

Answer by raydawg for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T10:08:29Z

You can always bring your own - just decant it in a smaller bottle. I do when I travel, never had problems with that.

Answer by Diane for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T16:20:34Z

If at this restaurant your dinner for two didn't cost at least $200 or if you haven't seen the restaurant's employees shopping for the restaurant at the farmers market, you can assume it's not real olive oil.

Answer by AmandaLP for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2012-08-28T20:35:24Z

Taste it. But, also know what olive oil actually tastes like. I did a herb and olive oil dip, and a friend asked if I put anything hot in it, because she was feeling the peppery bite of actual extra virgin olive oil.

If you can't taste olives, it tastes stale or overly "oily," don't eat it.

Answer by Lauren for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2013-02-06T18:38:43Z

Pure olive oil is quite rarely sold in grocery stores. All of the large name brand olive oils are cut with something else, or else use older olives than was once traditional. If anyone is really interested in this evolution, you should read "Extra Virginity", it's a fantastic book on the subject.

Answer by August for How to know if olive oil at salad bar is actually olive oil?

2013-02-06T19:48:07Z

I used to buy the sardines packed in olive oil, but then I heard about this problem. If the Mafia is adulterating the olive oil with cheaper oils before it even leaves Italy, then the best option is to not buy olive oil at all. So, I switched what I buy now- sardines in tomato sauce or water- and then I add fat in that I have confidence in. I think this change has led to some improvement in general.