Everything you need to know about the density of olive oil
The density of a substance is the quotient between mass and volume. Or what is the same, this magnitude refers to the amount of mass contained in a certain volume. Water is the reference pattern that is usually used, since its density is 1 kg/liter, that is, 1 liter of water has a mass of 1 kilogram. Although, as with olive oil, this can vary according to factors such as temperature, pressure or salinity.
Do you remember the science class experiments? In them we checked how The density of olive oil is less than that of waterTherefore, when we collect water with oil they do not mix and the oil is the liquid that rises.
In this article we talk about an important concept in the Process of making extra virgin olive oil: its density. We discover interesting data such as its variation depending on the temperature or the density of other vegetable oils. Let’s start!
What is the density of olive oil?
The density of olive oil is 0.916 kg/liter at 20°C. That is, at that temperature, a liter of olive oil weighs approximately 916 grams.
What is the density of extra virgin olive oil?
In this case, the density of olive oil does not vary remarkably depending on its quality, it is taken as a general reference of 0.916 kg/liter at 20°C. For example, there would be no significant variation with An EVOO, a virgin oil Or a lampante. There is also no change depending on the Variety of olive with which the oil is made: IMPLERTpicual, Arbequina, Cornicabra…
Density of olive oil at different temperatures
The density of olive oil varies with temperature. Although the density of olive oil at 20°C (0.916 kg/litre) is usually taken as a reference, it is necessary to take into account how the temperature influences this relationship between mass and volume.
| Olive oil temperature | Density |
| 0°C | 0.929 kg/liter |
| 20°C | 0.916 kg/liter |
| 180-200°C | 0.80 – 0.81 kg/liter |
Information extracted from excellentprecios.com
If we use frying oil, we must know that its density decreases when applying heat. With the high temperatures, olive oil expands and can increase its volume by 15%. Have you ever heard that oil “grows” in the pan? Well, this is the scientific explanation. Therefore, the liter of oil weighs less.
On the contrary, if we subject the olive oil to cold, it reduces its volume by up to 1.5% and becomes denser. Therefore, the liter of oil will weigh more. You just have to observe when we keep the olive oil in a place that is too cold in winter, put it in the fridge or freeze a preparation with a splash of olive oil.
The density of olive oil, sunflower and others of vegetable origin
| type of vegetable oil | Relative density |
| Sunflower oil | 0.918 – 0.923 |
| soybean oil | 0.919 – 0.925 |
| Peanut oil | 0.912 – 0.920 |
| Olive oil | 0.913 – 0.916 |
| palm oil | 0.891 – 0.899 |
| Coconut oil | 0.908 – 0.921 |
| Corn oil | 0.917 – 0.925 |
| rapeseed oil | 0.910 – 0.920 |
| Linen oil | 0.926 – 0.930 |
| cotton oil | 0.918 – 0.926 |
| Safflower oil | 0.922 – 0.927 |
Information extracted from Espaciociencia.com
All vegetable oils are less dense than water. But within this group there are some denser ones, such as linen, sunflower, soybean or olive. Others are less dense than most, as is the case with palm oil.
The density of olive oil and sunflower
The density of olive oil and sunflower oil are different. The relative density of olive oil ranges between 0.913 – 0.916, while that of sunflower is greater, from 0.918 – 0.923.
What can we learn from the density of olive oil?
In the traditional way of making EVOO, the Cold pressed, , Decantation is one of the most important phases, after getting the oily must through the press on the capachos. Thus, the oil, of lower density than olive paste or water, remains on the surface. Currently, they are used more modern processes such as extraction, which consists of fluidizing the olives paste with water to be able to obtain the juice, this time, through a vertical centrifuge.
When storing olive oil in the mill, it is necessary that it be carried out in deposits protected from light and at an adequate temperature, as we have seen, if not, its density can vary. The ideal are between 15 and 18 °C approximately.
Similarly, at home, we must continue Olive oil conservation tips so that it retains all its properties and intact organoleptic qualities. They are small gestures such as keeping it at a suitable temperature (between 18 and 24 degrees) and not next to the stove or the ceramic hob, as well as storing it in an opaque bottle to protect it from light.
Discover our Aragon Premium Oil, , Beloleum, and enjoy the best quality oil, flavor and benefits for your body: extra virgin olive oil.
Latest Posts on Olive Oil
Fasting olive oil: everything you need to know
5 gourmet homemade burger recipes
How to optimize olive nutrition?