6 Tips for Buying High-Quality Olive Oil – How to Recognize Quality

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How to recognize high-quality olive oil: 6 important tips for buying

How to recognize really high-quality olive oil when buying

Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, but quality varies widely. Here are the key factors to help you identify a high-quality olive oil and choose the best product for your health and cooking.

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Pay attention to the origin and the growing area

The origin of the olive oil plays a major role in its quality. High-quality olive oils often come from traditional growing regions, such as Greece, which are known for their high quality. Pay attention to the precise origin information on the packaging to avoid inferior products.

Choose cold-pressed olive oil

Cold pressing, also known as "extra virgin," ensures that the olive oil is produced without the use of heat. This preserves important nutrients and antioxidants. Ensure the oil was produced exclusively using mechanical methods.

Freshly harvested olives on a conveyor belt in a processing facility.

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The time of harvest influences the quality

Olives harvested early contain more polyphenols—the antioxidants that are crucial for the oil's health benefits. High-quality olive oils should be made from olives that were harvested early and processed immediately.

The polyphenol content is crucial for health

Polyphenols protect blood lipids from oxidative stress and have proven positive effects on health. According to EU Regulation 432/2012, a daily consumption of 10 ml of polyphenol-rich olive oil protects blood lipids from oxidative damage. The higher the polyphenol content, the greater the health benefits.

Hands holding freshly picked olives with leaves.

Close-up of green olives on a tree branch with leaves.

How high should the polyphenol content be?

A high polyphenol content starts at around 200 mg/kg. As a leading polyphenol-rich olive oil, O'Liv PLUS contains at least 750 mg/kg of polyphenols. In comparison, conventional olive oils often contain only 50-100 mg/kg of polyphenols, meaning O'Liv PLUS offers up to 50 times more antioxidant power.

Why is O'Liv PLUS the best choice?

O'Liv PLUS is made from the Greek Koroneiki olive, known for its high polyphenol content. Gentle cold pressing and early harvesting preserve the maximum polyphenol content. It not only offers antioxidant health benefits but is also sustainably produced, without pesticides and using animal-friendly methods. With a polyphenol content of at least 750 mg/kg, O'Liv PLUS protects blood lipids and contributes to the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels.