The Truth About Olive Oil Labels - How to Recognise Real Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Most of us reach for a bottle of olive oil without much thought. The label might say “pure,” “cold-pressed,” or “extra virgin,” but what does that really mean? The truth is that not all olive oils are created equal  -  and understanding what’s inside the bottle can completely change how you cook, taste, and shop.

What Makes Olive Oil “Extra Virgin”True Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a natural fruit juice. It’s extracted mechanically  -  not chemically  -  from freshly harvested olives, without heat or additives. This gentle process preserves the oil’s natural antioxidants, vitamins, and flavour compounds. The result is an oil that tastes alive: vibrant, grassy, peppery, or delicately fruity, depending on the olive variety and region.

To qualify as extra virgin, an oil must meet strict standards: 

• Free acidity below 0.8%: This measures the purity of the oil and indicates careful handling of the fruit. 
• No sensory defects: No rancid, fusty, or musty aromas. A certified EVOO should smell fresh, like herbs or fruit. 
• Cold extraction: Temperatures must stay below 27°C to preserve antioxidants and polyphenols, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Many supermarket blends use refined or deodorised oils mixed with a small amount of real EVOO. These lack both the nutrition and the layered flavour of genuine, estate-produced oils.

What the Labels Often HideThe olive oil aisle can be confusing. Terms like “pure,” “light,” or “classic blend” are often used to market refined oils that have been chemically treated to neutralise flavour and extend shelf life. The term “light” doesn’t mean low-fat  -  it simply means the oil has a lighter flavour, often achieved by stripping away its natural compounds.

Authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, by contrast, is all about transparency. It comes from single estates where olives are picked and pressed within hours. At Jezreel Olive, we work only with producers who meet these standards  -  artisans who value freshness, authenticity, and traceability.

How to Read a Label Like an ExpertKnowing what to look for can help you choose quality every time: 

1. Harvest Date: Olive oil is a fresh product. Look for a clear harvest year,  ideally within the last 18–24 months.

 2. Origin: A single estate or farm-specific origin guarantees traceability. Avoid vague terms like “Packed in Italy” or “Product of multiple origins.” 

3. Certification: In South Africa, the SA Olive Commitment to Compliance (CTC) Seal confirms that the oil meets strict quality standards. 

4. Packaging: Dark glass or vacuum-sealed containers protect against light and heat, which can cause oxidation. 

5. Producer Transparency: If the brand doesn’t disclose who grows or bottles the oil, it’s unlikely to be genuine EVOO.

Why Local MattersSouth African olive oils consistently win awards at international competitions, competing with the finest Mediterranean producers. Our producers benefit from the Cape’s Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and meticulous farming methods. Choosing local EVOO ensures you’re buying fresh, ethically produced oil while supporting sustainable agriculture and job creation.

At Jezreel Olive, we see olive oil as more than a product  -  it’s a connection between people, land, and purpose. Every bottle represents honesty, craftsmanship, and care.

The Jezreel StandardWe partner with award-winning estates across the world and within South Africa, selecting oils that reflect integrity from grove to glass. Each bottle tells you where it comes from and who produced it. There are no blends, no additives, and no hidden shortcuts  -  just pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as nature intended.

When you know what you’re tasting, you experience olive oil differently. The aroma, the flavour, even the slight peppery tingle at the back of your throat -  all become signs of real quality.

Transparency is TasteChoosing olive oil is like choosing wine -  every region, variety, and producer brings a unique expression of nature’s design. Once you learn to read the label and taste for freshness, you’ll never go back to anonymous blends.

Discover the truth about olive oil. Visit our website to explore our collection of certified, estate-produced EVOOs  -  pure, traceable, and crafted for those who value authenticity.