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 published lab analyses range from 0.18% to 0.35%, depending on the oil. Read more about what olive oil acidity really means.
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 of the batch in your tin or bottle.
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?
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 ship from fulfilment centres in the US, the UK and Germany and are tracked door to door. Based on our recent orders: to the UK, usually dispatched within 1 business day and delivered in 1–2 business days; to Germany, dispatched within 1–2 business days and delivered in 2–3 business days; to the US, dispatched within 1 business day and delivered in 2–3 business days.
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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