A useful test for olive oil is its taste when swallowed. If it produces a hot sensation in the throat this is due apparently to oleocanthal, a major polyphenol

A useful test for olive oil is its taste when swallowed. If it produces a hot sensation in the throat this is due apparently to oleocanthal, a major polyphenol in the oil. Oleocanthal has been cited in numerous publications as having anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. https://www.jneurosci.org/content/jneuro/31/3/999.full.pdf https://www.jneurosci.org/content/jneuro/31/3/999.full.pdf [Unusual Pungency from Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Is attributable to Restricted Spatial Expression of the Receptor of Oleocanthal]