Unsaponifiable Matter

The fraction of substances in oil & fat which is not saponified by caustic alkali, but is soluble in ordinary fat solvent is called unsaponifiable matter.  A characteristic feature of unsaponifiable matter in olive oil is its content of squalene, which is higher than that of other vegetable oils.

Unsaponifiable matter (g/kg)

  • Olive oils < 15
  • Olive-pomace oils < 30

0 thoughts on “Unsaponifiable Matter

Leave a Reply