How do you choose the best olive oil?
Share
How do you choose the best olive oil?
Olive oil is not just olive oil. If you've ever stood in the supermarket and looked at the rows of bottles with prices ranging from one extreme to the other, you probably know the feeling of confusion. What's the difference? Why do some cost twice as much as others? And most importantly – how do you choose an olive oil that suits your needs?
At CARDENAU , we’ve been through that journey ourselves. We wanted an olive oil that tasted great, was produced with respect for the craft, and was something we could stand behind. That’s why we created our own. But how do you navigate the olive oil jungle? Here’s our best advice.
1. Go for quality – not just price
Yes, olive oil can be more expensive, but there's a good reason for that. The cheapest olive oils on the market are often a blend of several different types of oil that have been refined and filtered so much that the flavor disappears. A good olive oil should be extra virgin , which means it's cold-pressed and only from the best olives without chemical treatment.
Our CARDENAU olive oil is made from Arbequina and Pico Limón olives, which are harvested and pressed within 30 minutes on a small family farm in Spain. This means the taste is fresh, balanced and full of nuances.
2. Look for origin and harvesting method
Olive oil from large factory producers is often a blend of oils from different countries. A good indicator of quality is whether the bottle clearly states the origin and producer . If it doesn't say anything about where the oil comes from, you can be pretty sure it's not the best quality.
Our olive oil comes from Antequera in Andalusia, Spain , where the Manolo & Marina family grows olives with extreme care. They have recently converted their entire production to 100% organic , so you get a pure, natural oil.
3. The taste – mild, sharp or balanced?
The taste of olive oil depends on the olive variety, harvest time and production. A good olive oil can be mild, spicy, bitter or fruity – and it depends on what you are going to use it for.
-
Mild & balanced : Perfect for salads, breads and everyday use, our CARDENAU olive oil is mild and magnificent, without being too dominant.
-
Spicy & intense : Often used with meats, stews and dishes with lots of flavor.
-
Bitter & Green : A more Greek/Italian profile that goes well with tomato-based dishes.
Understand why the quality of olive oil varies.
4. Ecology and craftsmanship – does it matter?
Yes, and here's why: Many cheaper olive oils are produced on large plantations, where the trees are stressed to maximize yield. This results in olives with less flavor and nutrition. Craftsmanship matters—especially when it comes to the quality of your oil.
At CARDENAU you get an olive oil that is harvested with respect. Each bottle is hand-tapped, hand-labeled and date-stamped by our dear Isabel, who works around the clock to ensure perfect quality.
5. Storage – does olive oil last forever?
No! A good olive oil is a fresh product. It should be stored in a dark and cool place – never on the kitchen counter in direct sunlight. And use it! Olive oil does not get better by sitting in the cupboard for years.
Our olive oil has a limited stock because we only produce what we can stand behind. If you want an oil that is freshly pressed and of top quality, it is a good idea to secure a bottle while it is still in stock.
Read how to best use your olive oil in cooking here.
Taste the difference for yourself
There are many olive oils out there, but if you want an award-winning, organic, and handmade olive oil that supports a small family farm in Spain, try our CARDENAU olive oil . It is mild, magnificent – and far cheaper than many other premium olive oils, even though the quality is in the top 1% in the world.
