How to Identify Genuine Olive Oil

Olive Oil

The Mediterranean region is renowned for cultivating olive trees, whose fruits are used to produce olive oil or make pickled olives. The olive oil produced in this region is considered one of the finest and best oils. Olive oil is one of the best oils in terms of nutritional value, as it contains vitamins and amino acids.

The types of olive oil vary according to the method of pressing. There is extra virgin olive oil, where the olives are cold-pressed only. Virgin olive oil is pressed at a moderate temperature, and there is a type considered inferior, where the previously pressed olives are pressed again. In this article, we will mention the benefits of olive oil, the specifications of genuine olive oil, and how to distinguish it from adulterated oil.

Specifications of Genuine Olive Oil

• The color of the oil when first pressed is greenish, but it turns yellowish over time.
• The smell of olive oil is strong and resembles the smell of green olives.
• The acidity level of genuine olive oil is less than one percent; the acidity is tested with a special device, and the higher the acidity, the lower the quality of the oil.
• Genuine olive oil retains its taste and smell throughout its storage period, even if stored for a long time.
• Olive oil has a higher viscosity than water.

Distinguishing Genuine Olive Oil from Adulterated Oil

• Fill a cup halfway with olive oil and place it in the refrigerator for two hours. If the oil turns white, it is genuine. If it turns yellowish, it is adulterated. Also, if the oil does not solidify, it is not genuine.

Benefits of Olive Oil

• Prevents cancer due to its antioxidant content.
• Treats stomach ulcers and inflammation.
• Addresses hair loss and promotes hair growth.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Treats dry skin and prevents chapped lips, enhances skin radiance and vitality as it penetrates deep into the skin, which is why it is used in the manufacture of creams and various cosmetics.
• Helps prevent heart diseases, clots, and atherosclerosis.
• Treats gum inflammation and whitens teeth.
• Delays the appearance of wrinkles and aging symptoms.
• Studies have found that people who include olive oil in their diet enjoy good health and have a lower incidence of diabetes.
• Increases the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones, thereby reducing the risk of gallstones.