Olive Oil FAQs
Acidity, storage, LOT numbers, taste and cooking — short, straight answers to what customers ask us most.
Questions We Get Asked Most
What does the acidity number on the label actually mean?
Free acidity measures how much the oil’s fatty acids have broken down — usually because the fruit was bruised, stored too long, or pressed late. It is not something you taste directly, but it is one of the clearest indicators of how carefully the olives were handled. Extra virgin allows up to 0.8%; our oils sit at 0.20–0.30%.
How long does olive oil keep, and how should I store it?
Best within 18 months of harvest, and best kept cool, sealed and away from light. Heat, oxygen and light are what age an oil — which is why we bottle under nitrogen into light-proof containers with non-refillable pourers.
Where do I find the LOT number on my bottle?
On tins it is printed on the shoulder, just below the cap; on the BIO Crete glass bottle it is on the back label above the best-before date. Enter it on the Check Your LOT Number page to see the full analysis for your exact batch.
Is a peppery, slightly bitter finish a fault?
The opposite. That peppery catch at the back of the throat comes from polyphenols — the antioxidants that make a fresh extra virgin oil worth buying. A completely smooth, neutral oil usually means they are gone.
What is the difference between Crete and Lesvos?
Variety and place. Crete is 100% Koroneiki from Phaistos — bold, grassy, peppery. Lesvos is 100% Kolovi from Plomari — golden, light, delicately fragrant and elegant. Neither is better; they suit different food.
Can I cook with it, or is it only for finishing?
Both. A high-polyphenol extra virgin oil is more stable under heat than most people assume, so it is suitable for cooking and even frying. It is just also good enough that it would be a shame never to taste it raw.
How much does shipping cost, and how long does it take?
Shipping is free on every order, with no minimum spend. Orders leave the mill within 24 hours; US deliveries typically arrive in three to five business days, tracked door to door.
Can I return an order?
Yes. You have 14 days from delivery to withdraw from your purchase. If anything arrives damaged, send us a photo and we will replace or refund it at our cost.
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