What is important to look at when buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Not all olive oils labeled “extra virgin” truly are — some are misclassified or poorly stored. Still, even a mislabeled extra virgin olive oil is far healthier than refined vegetable oils or other lower-grade olive oils. To make sure you’re getting the real thing, follow these tips:

1. Check the Harvest Date

Always look for the harvest date on the bottle. Olive oil is typically harvested between October and December. If it is summer of 2015, the 2014 harvest will still be the most recent one.

2. Consider Storage Conditions

Heat and light can damage olive oil and reduce its flavor and health benefits. Choose bottles stored in cool, dark places — not under bright lights or near heat sources.

3. Buy from Trusted Producers

Since you can’t test olive oil quality at home, the best way to ensure authenticity is to buy directly from reputable producers or reliable merchants. Trustworthy brands maintain quality control from harvest to bottling.