How to Choose Authentic Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is at the heart of the Greek table. It goes on salads, into slow-cooked dishes and over bread. But with so many bottles on the shelf, how do you know you are buying the real thing? Here is what to look for.

Start with the origin

Authentic Greek extra virgin olive oil comes from Greek olives, usually the Koroneiki variety, which is prized for its fruity flavour and high natural polyphenol content. Look for clear information about where the olives were grown and pressed. Protected designations such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) are a useful sign that the oil comes from a defined region, such as PDO Kolymvari or PDO Kalamata in Crete and the Peloponnese.

Check the acidity

Acidity is one of the key quality markers for extra virgin olive oil. Lower figures generally indicate fresher oil that has been handled carefully. Many of the oils in our range are confirmed by lab analysis, so you can check the figure for yourself on the product page.

Look for cold extraction

Oil that is cold-extracted, typically below 26°C, keeps more of its natural aroma and character than oil produced with heat. This is one of the simplest things to look for on a label or product description.

Understand polyphenols

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in olives that contribute to the peppery, bitter notes you may notice in a good oil. Some high-polyphenol oils are tested and carry an EU-approved health claim. If you are interested in this, read the claim wording on the label carefully and look for third-party certificates.

Choose the right size for your kitchen

Smaller bottles suit a fresh, everyday pour. Larger tins, such as 2L or 5L, are a good choice if you use olive oil daily for cooking and dressings. Oil stays at its best when stored away from heat and light, with the lid tightly closed.

Try a few favourites

If you are new to Greek olive oil, start with a versatile everyday oil for cooking and dressings, then try a limited-production or organic oil for finishing dishes. Our range includes oils from Crete and the Kalamata region, sourced directly from Greek producers.

Explore our full range of Greek extra virgin olive oils and find the one that suits your table.