EXTRA VIRGINITY
The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil
By Tom Mueller
I just read this book and it is really scary to learn of the corruption that is so very widespread in this industry. The producers, for the most part, add extra ingredients (different oils) to increase volume and to keep the profit margins high. Many court cases have been brought forward but very few convictions and/or penalties are handed down. It is a HUGE fraudulent practice---worldwide. If you love olive oil, the extra virgin variety, be very careful if you think that expensive item that you are buying is really what the label says it is.
Apparently, olive oil tasting bars are popping up all over the world and there are several in California. The CIA is giving classes around the tasting, development and intricacies of bad vs. excellent oils. It seems to be a trend for more and more chefs to attend these classes for use in their exquisite creations. Meals are developed around the oil NOT around the food.
One must be very passionate with respect to cultivating and producing this exquisite product. It is not an easy crop and the profit margins are negligible if the end product is really EXTRA VIRGIN.
Mr Mueller was interviewed here on a local talk radio program . He is an American but lives in Italy and has been following the trails of olive oil production for many years....exposing the fraudulent activities of the greedy and corrupt.
Interesting read but can be a bit repetitive.
BTW....the olive oil I sent to Barbara is REAL......according to Tom!
The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil
By Tom Mueller
I just read this book and it is really scary to learn of the corruption that is so very widespread in this industry. The producers, for the most part, add extra ingredients (different oils) to increase volume and to keep the profit margins high. Many court cases have been brought forward but very few convictions and/or penalties are handed down. It is a HUGE fraudulent practice---worldwide. If you love olive oil, the extra virgin variety, be very careful if you think that expensive item that you are buying is really what the label says it is.
Apparently, olive oil tasting bars are popping up all over the world and there are several in California. The CIA is giving classes around the tasting, development and intricacies of bad vs. excellent oils. It seems to be a trend for more and more chefs to attend these classes for use in their exquisite creations. Meals are developed around the oil NOT around the food.
One must be very passionate with respect to cultivating and producing this exquisite product. It is not an easy crop and the profit margins are negligible if the end product is really EXTRA VIRGIN.
Mr Mueller was interviewed here on a local talk radio program . He is an American but lives in Italy and has been following the trails of olive oil production for many years....exposing the fraudulent activities of the greedy and corrupt.
Interesting read but can be a bit repetitive.
BTW....the olive oil I sent to Barbara is REAL......according to Tom!
"Never eat more than you can lift" Miss Piggy