İTS Gıda & Lojistik
EN
Get a Quote
Home · Articles · Olive Oil
Olive Oil

Quality begins on the tree and ends at pressing.

What determines the quality of extra virgin olive oil is, more often than not, the hours before pressing.

12 July 2026 · 7 min read
5 Factors That Determine Olive Oil Quality

"Extra virgin" in olive oil is not a marketing term; it is a measurable grade. And most of the factors that determine that grade come into play long before the oil reaches the bottle.

1. Harvest timing

Early harvest means lower yield but higher polyphenol content and a more intense aroma. Late harvest increases yield, but reduces the oil's resistance.

2. Time from harvest to pressing

The most critical variable

Olives begin to ferment after harvest. The longer the time before pressing, the more the acidity level rises. Ideally, pressing takes place on the same day.

3. Cold-press temperature

Cold pressing means keeping the malaxation temperature below a set threshold. When the temperature rises, yield increases, but aroma and polyphenols are lost.

4. Storage conditions

  • Light: the oil's biggest enemy. A dark environment is essential.
  • Temperature: cool and stable.
  • Oxygen: storage that minimises air exposure.
  • Container: stainless steel or a suitable food-grade container.

5. Analysis and traceability

Acidity level, peroxide value and sensory analysis are the way to prove quality, not just claim it.

You can visit our products and services page for our production lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does extra virgin mean?
It is olive oil that has not undergone chemical processing, has been extracted using only mechanical methods, and has an acidity level below a set limit.
Why does cold pressing matter?
Low temperature reduces the loss of aroma and polyphenols, preserving the oil's shelf life and nutritional value.
How should olive oil be stored?
In a dark, cool place with minimal air exposure; it should not be kept in a clear bottle under light.

Related articles

Contact

Let's talk about production, processing and storage.

Share your needs; let's assess capacity and our proposed solution together.

Get a Quote
Ozan Global Holding
An Ozan Global Holding companyA multi-sector industrial group producing concrete, pipe, mining, maritime and food products. Holding website ↗