No shit, you say. But I'm not talking about THAT kind of oil. It's olive oil that's on my mind this afternoon. There's a new book out by freelance writer ( A term that usually describes an unemployed writer. I know. I was one ) Tom Mueller:
Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil
Olive oil? Yes, olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil. This country recently moved into 3rd place in world-wide olive oil consumption. . We're a $1.5 billion market that's been growing at a 10 percent annual rate.
We love the stuff. We're almost addicted. It won't be long before the industry has pumps where we can fill up...
Anything this luctative is bound to be surrounded by mystery, corruption and deceit. And that's excactly what Mueller's book is about. He says the extra virgin olive oil you buy at the Stop n Shop probably isn't the real thing. A virgin claiming it is a virgin when it's not?
Make your own jokes about folks our age growing up in the 60s.
7 comments:
I heard the guy--fascinating stuff. And I gave the book to my brother in law for Christmas. I had to go to four bookstores to get it--all sold out! The BIL is a gourmet cook and is interested in quality, though he is also cheap and thus, buys the Costco stuff.
I also gave him a bottle of "the real thing" for him to test. Awaiting his verdict as I type...
jc
I read the New Yorker piece a few years ago, as he was in the process of writing the book. It is fascinating stuff. Glad you found the book!
Connecticut addressed this problem in 2008. Google up Connecticut olive oil and you will get far more than you need to know about it.
I buy the stuff by the gallon, and Terry, there is a store in Colchester that sells it in bulk, bring your own bottle.
Gene
I'll check that out Cap'n. By the way, there's a ship captain job open in Italy, if you want to get back into that biz.
Gene--So, if I go to Trader Joe's or Whole Foods in Connecticut, I am sure to be getting the "real deal"?
I am under the impression that there is still so much fraud in this industry, even here. I'd love to know!
jc
Very interesting topic, years ago I learned about the difference between good olive oil and the less than stellar stuff when I received a small batch as a gift; it was eye opening. I had a similar experience with Vermont Maple Syrup.
A lot of the "virgin" oil people buy cheap in supermarkets is actually common canola that has been re-virgined by black-marketers in illicit processing plants for sale to snobbish gulls on the upper west side.
So be careful.
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