Olive oil appears milky, or cloudy, primarily due to cooling or the presence of sediment in unfiltered oil.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
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Cooling/Low Temperatures: When olive oil is stored in cool environments, the waxes and fats naturally present in the oil can solidify. This process leads to a cloudy or milky appearance. This is a temporary state; the oil will typically clear up and return to its normal transparency when brought back to room temperature.
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Unfiltered Olive Oil: Unfiltered olive oil contains tiny particles of olive fruit, pits, and skin. These particles can give the oil a cloudy appearance, especially when settling at the bottom of the container over time. This sediment is natural and harmless.
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Old/Rancid Olive Oil: In rare cases, a milky or slimy appearance, especially when clinging to the sides of the container, can indicate that the olive oil has gone bad. If you observe this, it is best to discard the oil.
In summary, a milky appearance in olive oil is usually due to temperature or sediment and is not necessarily a sign of spoilage. However, a slimy residue is a sign that the oil has degraded and should not be used.
