Catalyzes the hydration of oleate at its cis-9-double bond to yield 10-hydroxyoctadecanoate. The hydration of unsaturated fatty acids is suggested to be a detoxification mechanism and a survival strategy for living in fatty acid-rich environments. (R)-10-hydroxyoctadecanoate = (9Z)-octadecenoate + H2O Binds 1 FAD per subunit. FAD does not seem to be involved in catalysis but rather in the structural stabilization of the enzyme. Is not inhibited by EDTA in vitro. Due to the low solubility of oleate in Tris buffer, the values given above are approximate, the real Vmax is most likely significantly higher, whereas the real KM is expected to be much lower. Optimum pH is around 6. Lipid metabolism; fatty acid metabolism. Monomer. Strongly up-regulated in cells grown in the presence of oleate. Belongs to the oleate hydratase family.