Sounds like the can has started to disintegrate. That's bad enough, but if it isn't that, then what else could it be???? I'd toss it and buy fresh.

Oil will, of course, solidify at lower temps--which isn't a problem, it liquifies once it reaches room temp again. I store my 'extra' oil in either the fridge or freezer, to keep it of high quality as long as possible. You do have to let it warm a bit, so you can pour out what you need (I keep a small bottle at room temp, and wash it thoroughly before re-fillings)

I only buy the plastic jugs of EVOO from Costco, and have never had a problem. If it's residue from the can, that's yucky. But I cna't think what else it might be.

If I put extra virgin olive oil in the fridge it separates, forming some solids on the top, so that part is probably from being cold.

As far as the flakes, I think your guess that they came from the metal can itself is a good one. Could you pour the oil into a bowl, remove the flakes, then funnel it back into your bottle?

We get Costco-sized bottles of EVO, store it at room temperature, and are only two people using it -- we've never had it spoil.

I would filter it. If it smells ok, and tastes ok, just filter the stuff out. Next time you buy oil, pour it all in to plastic, or buy it in plastic in the first place.

Moni

Yes, that's what I'll do. Fortunately, my latest purchase is in a plastic bottle.

Thanks, all!

I buy mine in glass bottles, but I don't use a whole heck of a lot of it.

Olive oil is sensitive to contamination by ferrous and rust particles. Olive oil is shipped in huge drums and packaged at plants - not on site at the growers usually. It often becomes contaminated if the drums are not properly cleaned between shipments. The drums are often used to ship other things and residue remains if not cleaned properly. This is how many food products become contaminated.

Or, the can could have been damaged from moisture causing it to rust.

Or, those are not black flakes but dead insects that made their way into the can and died. Fruit flies can be attracted to olive oil and then get stuck in it.

When in doubt, dump it out!

Or, those are not black flakes but dead insects that made their way into the can and died. Fruit flies can be attracted to olive oil and then get stuck in it. Oh yumm... having a craving for olive oil now. lol

I agree it is probably the residue from the can.

BTW - did you get an email from me a couple days ago? Check your junk file if you didn't.

Nah, they're flakes from the can. I have an eagle eye for insects. :-)

Lydia, yes, I picked it up at work, and printed out the article to read. I'll get back to you on that. Thanks very much!

On second thought, those teensy black dots would go through anything but double cheesecloth . . . and I don't have the patience to go the cheesecloth route. So I chucked the bottle and will start fresh with a new one.

No more cans for me!

Would a coffee filter have worked? I am not sure the oil would go thru it, but if you had put it in a metal/mesh strainer?
If you've been using the olive oil this time, I doubt its going to hurt you....BUT I probably would have tossed it too. To bad, that stuff is spendy!

My sister imports OO from Greece in cans and we've never had any problems with any residue at the end of the can. I'm wondering if it's cold presses EVOO if the 'bits' are residue from the olives themselves. Some times bits of stalk or leaves go thru the press with the olives and could possibly settle at the bottom.

Don't store in plastic.
Extra virgin live oil should only be placed in cans or dark glass containers.