Olive Oil

Other Name(s):

Olea Europaea Oil; Hydrogenated Olive Oil; Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil; Virgin Olive Oil; Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables; Oleuropein; CAS# 8001-25-0;

European olive trees thrive all around the Mediterranean, enjoying the well aerated soil which drains quickly. Regrettably, they are subject to a great many common pest insects and require rather routine post control measures.

Is Olive Oil Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Olive oil is a remarkably beneficial oil, in both the kitchen and cosmetic cupboards. It can be farmed sustainably using organic farming principles and is produced in large quantities in South Africa (reducing its carbon footprint).

Benefits: Why is Olive Oil used?

Moisturising Skin Care

Olive oil is a natural moisturiser and leaves skin soft and supple. Olive oil is also used to make soap bars with rich, luxurious lathers.

Conditioning Hair Care

Olive oil has conditioning powers that make it useful in hair care.

Immune Booster

Olive extracts (like oleuropein) can be found in natural immune support supplements.

Kitchen Staple

Olive oil is a kitchen staple for those wanting to enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Learn more about Olive Oil:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Olive Oil?

Olive oil can be found used in a very wide range of skin and hair care products. Of course, it can also be found as a single-ingredient item bottled in glass or aluminium canisters. Olive oil is also a staple in salad dressings!

Production: How is Olive Oil Made?

The best extra virgin olive oil is made, first by selecting perfectly ripened olives. Where over ripe olives can yield rancid oil, unripe green olives can result in bitter oil. The raw olives are then carefully milled into a pulp, ensuring minimal friction so that heat doesn’t build up and ruin the flavour. The pulp is then pressed (cold-presses never exceed 27°C) to extract the oil. Et voila!

Interesting Fact: Olive Oil

Oleuropein is a polyphenolic compound found in olive fruit and olive tree leaves. It’s been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Olive oil food fraud is a criminal industry estimated to be worth $40 billion globally, per year. A United States study published in 2019 showed that around half of olive oils lining store shelves were adulterated with other ingredients including canola oil.

The right packaging is one of the keys to choosing a quality olive oil. Avoid oils bottled in transparent glass (unless the glass is inside a box) because heat and light will spoil the oil.

It’s reported that as of 2017, only 8.3% of the world’s total olive groves are certified organic.