How many olives does one bottle take?
One litre of oil takes on average about 10 kilos of olives: the yield of Itrana is around 10-15%. A difficult year or an early harvest, aimed at preserving more polyphenols, reduce the quantity even further.
Why does hand harvesting affect the price?
Harvesting by hand, in October, takes more work and more time, but it avoids bruising the olives and protects the oil from oxidation. It is a cost that industrial oil often does not have.
What changes with fast milling and cold extraction?
The longer the time between harvest and milling, the more the olive degrades. Milling within a few hours and at low temperature preserves aroma and polyphenols, but it means planning every harvest day around the mill.
How can you tell if the price is justified?
- Declared cultivar and origin: a monocultivar points to a territory and a variety.
- Vintage and harvest date: a recent oil is a livelier oil.
- Signed analyses: acidity and polyphenols of the batch, not generic values.
- Taste: balanced fruitiness, bitterness and pungency, with no defects.
Frequently asked questions
Is a more expensive oil always better?
No: price should be read together with origin, harvest date and the analyses of the batch.
How many olives are needed for one litre?
About 10 kilos, depending on cultivar and vintage.
Why does the harvest date matter?
Because aroma and polyphenols decrease over time.