Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil

The sacred history and profane present of a substance long seen as the essence of health and civilization.

For millennia, fresh olive oil has been one of life’s necessities-not just as food but also as medicine, a beauty aid, and a vital element of religious ritual. Today’s researchers are continuing to confirm the remarkable, life-giving properties of true extra virgin olive oil.  But what if this symbol of health and purity has become deeply corrupt?  Extra Virginity is an explosive story of oil fraud – a story of globalization, deception, and crime in the food industry from ancient times to the present – but it’s also an inspiring account of the artisanal producers, food activists, chemists and chefs who are defending the extraordinary oils that truly deserve the name “extra virgin.”

Reviews:

“How long have readers been waiting for a book like this? A century? A millennium? Finally, the earth’s most poetic food has found its storyteller. Essential, smart, and ridiculously overdue.”  – Bill Buford, author of the bestselling Heat

“Starred review. Engrossing history, vivid contemporary reporting and a cogent call to action, expertly blended in an illuminating text.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Mueller builds a convincing case for olive oil as one of the most miraculous and versatile substances in all of nature … Passionately written yet clear-headed.” – USA Today

“Mueller reveals the brazen fraud in the olive oil industry and teaches readers how to sniff out the good stuff.” – New York Times

Resources:

“Slippery Business,” the New Yorker article by Tom Mueller that gave rise to Extra Virginity

Fresh Air: Terry Gross talks with Mueller about Losing “Virginity” in American olive oil

Mueller’s Wall Street Journal story on “Can American Virginity Be Saved?”

Mueller and others testify at the California State Senate hearing on olive oil quality (January 26th, 2012)

Olive Oil Buyer’s Guide and provisional list of Great Olive Oils of the World