topic Re: Dumb question about olive oil in Recipes

Dumb question about olive oil

Mominohio — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 02:05:04 GMT

I have never purchased or used olive oil. But, I was given a gift set this holiday season that included a bottle of it.

I set the bottle on the counter, and then noticed that it left a ring. Wiped the bottle down good, and the next day, same thing. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that there was a trail down the bottle from the top. It is sealed with a gold foil wrapper that has not been breached.

Can anyone tell me if this is 'normal' or has this bottle not been sealed correctly?

I thought I had read that olive oil can go bad rather quickly, and if this one was maybe not sealed properly, I don't want to use it. I have no frame of reference for this, so any input would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

Abrowneyegirl — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 02:15:37 GMT

No this not normal, the bottle must not be sealed properly.

FYI- when oil goes "bad" it goes rancid, the smell is almost bitter to the nose. Good olive oil should be fruity or grassy.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

sandraskates — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 05:47:53 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
No this not normal, the bottle must not be sealed properly.

FYI- when oil goes "bad" it goes rancid, the smell is almost bitter to the nose. Good olive oil should be fruity or grassy.

Yupp, what she said!

But @Mominohio you should try olive oil sometime. It's good stuff. And there are many different varieties so if you don't like one kind / brand, you might like another.

...

debic — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:16:53 GMT

Well it can and does happen, but it's not normal. Possibly happened in processing? Personally I think it's an overrated and under flavored product.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

Mominohio — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:21:04 GMT

@debic @sandraskates @Abrowneyegirl

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I will have to dispose of this bottle, and I was really looking forward to trying it. It was sent by my cousin (from a specialty shop) who is a wonderful cook, so I was looking forward to using it.

The gift basket also contained pesto, and that was a first for us as well. We have been enjoying that, anyway, and I may pick up a bottle of the same olive oil she sent, next time I'm in the area where she purchased this set.

...

debic — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:24:11 GMT

Well you could smell it and see if it's rancid. You will know.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

mousiegirl — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 18:58:17 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
I have never purchased or used olive oil. But, I was given a gift set this holiday season that included a bottle of it.

I set the bottle on the counter, and then noticed that it left a ring. Wiped the bottle down good, and the next day, same thing. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that there was a trail down the bottle from the top. It is sealed with a gold foil wrapper that has not been breached.

Can anyone tell me if this is 'normal' or has this bottle not been sealed correctly?

I thought I had read that olive oil can go bad rather quickly, and if this one was maybe not sealed properly, I don't want to use it. I have no frame of reference for this, so any input would be greatly appreciated.

@Mominohio Extra virgin olive oil is the best and it is the only oil I use unless I deep fry, and then I use canola. It does wonders for soup, just drizzle it over the top and mix in.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

sfnative — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 19:33:08 GMT

@Mominohio

The seal has been breached, so you must throw it away. It is now contaminated.

I love olive oil. On those occasions when I have an egg on toast in the morning, I use a bit of olive oil in my small frying pan.

I've also gravitated to a number of Lidia Bastianich's recipes, all of which use olive oil, as do every Italian recipe I've used or viewed..

Three things:

1. It's actually good for you.

2. Rule: Not an oil to be used at high temp: and,

3. Simple first use: Take one of your small bottles and pour it into a dish, which then goes on the coffee table. Add just a tic of garlic or red pepper flakes, if you wish. Now, take a loaf of sourdough French bread and slice into small chunky bits the size of half of your thumb or larger. Dip bread into the olive oil an enjoy as an appetizer.

p.s. Darker is better. If you have a Trader Joe's near by, try their Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It's nicely priced. (The price of extra virgin olive oil can vary widely, as can the quality.)

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

momtochloe — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:47:33 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
@debic @sandraskates @Abrowneyegirl

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I will have to dispose of this bottle, and I was really looking forward to trying it. It was sent by my cousin (from a specialty shop) who is a wonderful cook, so I was looking forward to using it.

The gift basket also contained pesto, and that was a first for us as well. We have been enjoying that, anyway, and I may pick up a bottle of the same olive oil she sent, next time I'm in the area where she purchased this set.

@Mominohio I don't know if you have disposed of the bottle yet but I just wanted you to know I purchased a bottle from a special olive oil store last year.

They heat seal the plastic around the top of the bottle and cork but before I could open it to use it some of the oil did leak a bit. I know there is nothing wrong with the oil as I just purchased it (bacon infused, yum) and it was perfect when I did open and use it.

Perhaps in transport it may have gotten jostled a bit (mine tipped over in the car even though I thought I had it wedged in pretty good). If you still have it you may want to smell and taste it because as other's have said you will know immediately if the oil has gone bad.

There is nothing better than a good olive oil!

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

RinaRina — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:39:53 GMT

I'd throw it away.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

Noel7 — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 02:17:36 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
@debic @sandraskates @Abrowneyegirl

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I will have to dispose of this bottle, and I was really looking forward to trying it. It was sent by my cousin (from a specialty shop) who is a wonderful cook, so I was looking forward to using it.

The gift basket also contained pesto, and that was a first for us as well. We have been enjoying that, anyway, and I may pick up a bottle of the same olive oil she sent, next time I'm in the area where she purchased this set.

************************************************

I hope you try olive oil, it's great for cooking and especially salad dressing.

It's heart healthy and considered a good fat for us. Other good fats would include that found in avocados, walnuts, etc.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

Noel7 — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 02:19:47 GMT

ps You don't have to spend a fortune for a good olive oil, Trader Joe's has several that are good.

We like the 100% Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil from there.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

sandraskates — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 05:11:13 GMT

And if you don't like the first brand you buy, try another. Some olive oils have a stronger taste to them, others are milder. There are even flavored specialty olive oils.

I'm a simple person when it comes to olive oil: I like Star and California Olive Ranch brands that is found in the grocery stores for salads. For cooking I buy the WalMart house brand.

I've heard the Costco house brand is good but I haven't tried it.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

sidsmom — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 15:37:28 GMT

You'd be better off not venturing into the 'oil pit'.

Olive oil is a processed food....and processed food is never good for you.

Cooking? Just water sauté.

Dressings? Just use whole foods like avocados, nuts/seeds to make creamy dressings.

SO much fat, SO little flavor, SO calorie dense for such a small amount. And no one just uses the recommended serving of a tablespoon.

If one believes there are 'magic benefits' in processed oil....just eat the real food. Coconut oil? Eat coconuts. Corn oil? Eat corn. Olive oil? Eat olives.

Virgin, extra virgin, triple virgin, hand-picked from virgins (!)...oil is harmful to our Endothelium, arterial system. Causes so much inflammation...it's crazy.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

sandraskates — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 05:21:45 GMT

@sidsmom - a quick comment on your post:

While I'm not planning on giving up my olive or coconut oils (that's all I use these days), I just wanted to say that I recently heard a guest on a radio show I listen to say the same thing you posted.

This could a whole other discussion thread!

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

novamc1 — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 14:06:46 GMT

@sandraskates

@sidsmom

....and the source for all this "expert" nutrition information is.........what..... or where?

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

Sooner — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 14:09:00 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
@debic @sandraskates @Abrowneyegirl

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I will have to dispose of this bottle, and I was really looking forward to trying it. It was sent by my cousin (from a specialty shop) who is a wonderful cook, so I was looking forward to using it.

The gift basket also contained pesto, and that was a first for us as well. We have been enjoying that, anyway, and I may pick up a bottle of the same olive oil she sent, next time I'm in the area where she purchased this set.

CONTACT THE SHOP AND TELL THEM. They very well may replace it. Send them pictures! Or take it back!

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

rrpell — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:59:07 GMT

@sidsmom I have never heard olive oil described as a "Processed food". Thank you! This is very interesting and gives me something to think about. I just watched a 60 Minute segment where they suggested the Italian mafia is doctoring up oil and selling it to us! It isn't even oil from an olive!!! The percentage rate of "fake" olive oil was reported as being very high in the US.

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

sidsmom — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 20:07:35 GMT

@novamc1 wrote:
@sandraskates
@sidsmom

....and the source for all this "expert" nutrition information is.........what..... or where?

@novamc1

There are so many resources...too many to mention in this thread.

If all the information here and on 'Internet.com' isn't enough, just use common sense:

Fat is 9 calories per gram

Carbohydrate & Protein is only 4 calories per gram

Fat is an extremely Calorie Dense food...with little taste & nutrient value.

Want olive oil? Eat olives!

It takes close to 30 olives to reach the fat/calorie content of 1T of olive oil...and olives have all the vitamins/minerals/fiber straight oil doesn't have.

Fat, like salt & sugar, is RARELY eaten alone.

Meat? Fat and salt

Cheese? Fat and salt

Eggs? Fat and salt

Chocolate? Fat and sugar

Carbohydrate/Protein/Fat is in every food item on Earth. We get enough fats in our diet without adding overt fats. Yes, even iceberg lettuce has fats.

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn (Cleveland Clinic-retired)
http://www.dresselstyn.com/site/faq/

Dr. Michael Greger, author of "How Not to Die" & nutrition facts.org:
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/extra-virgin-olive-oil-vs-nuts/

Forks Over Knives comprised of:
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
Dr. T. Colin Campbell
Dr. John McDougall
Dr. Terry Mason
Dr. Neal Barnard
Jeff Novick, MS, RD, LD, LN
PCRM.org

http://www.forksoverknives.com/nutrition-questions/#why-should-i-avoid-oil-isnt-oil-healthy

Eating You Alive (movie trailer):
http://youtu.be/BZJLsDEIx-M

Re: Dumb question about olive oil

novamc1 — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 20:42:05 GMT

After reading about and studying nutrition with great interest since the 1970s, I believe a great deal of skepticism should be applied to drastic claims about which foods are good and which are not.

What I have learned and applied daily, to some degree, since then is to watch one's calorie intake, lay off too many carbs, avoid sugar, eat plenty of protein, do NOT avoid eggs (which contain lecithin which helps break up cholesterol in the bloodstream), and I could go on forever.

In my not-so-uneducated opinion, drastic claims about foods that will PREVENT sickness and SPECIFIC foods that we ALL need to eat if we expect to remain healthy are suspect on their face. They usually.....eventually....get debunked by someone, somewhere, some time---and the debunking will continue.

The latest, almost comical, turn in the thinking and research about nutrition and health can be found on the federal government's website

http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines

It's comical in that the guidelines are titled as being for "2015-2020" and that these latest words of wisdom are the government's 8th Edition of such wisdom. Really now............are we supposed to check back in 5 years to get the next big scoop?

Just another example of our tax dollars at work there. unfortunately.

What I do know about diet is how it affects or does not seem to affect me, personally.

My HDL levels are abnormally high to the constant surprise of my doctor, while my triglycerides and LDL are in normal ranges. I hate sweet foods and desserts, do not eat excessive carbs, but take no special precautions to avoid eggs, cheese, meats, butter, oils, caffeine and many other foods that might show up on some expert's "bad list". I do count calories and have unconsciously, by habit, estimated my intake ever since since I was a young woman.

My husband eats tons of sweets (ice cream, cookies, candy) and all the eggs, meat and butter you can imagine for one person, but he is not on any cholesterol-lowering drugs, has not been diagnosed with heart disease. He does have some health problems , but none that anyone has claimed is due directly to diet.

I would not presume to tell other people from my soapbox what they should or should not consume, when I know good and well that ANY such strident claim is likely to be disproven by someone else later. The only thing it would accomplish is to make me look like a nagging old fool in the end.