We take great pride in being one of very few producers that places our harvest date on our label. EVOO will lose its extra virgin qualities after about 2 years and although it will still be safe to consume, the taste will be significantly different (sometimes rancid) and the health benefits won't be there. A common practice is to blend old olive oil with new seasons olive oil to ensure it meets the EVOO lab tests. Another common practice is to label the olive oil as EVOO and then continue to sell it 5,6,7 years later with the same label even though it clearly no longer meets the EVOO requirements. A few years ago Choice magazine tested many of the EVOO's found in supermarkets and found that over 60% of them failed to meet the EVOO standards.
Another reason to only buy EVOO with a harvest date on the label, is because there will be differences from year to year (just like with wine) that reflects the season. For example, a dry year will produce a much stronger olive oil. So there is nothing wrong with purchasing last seasons olive oil (in some years it may be better than the current years oil) but I would stop short of purchasing anything that is older than that, especially if it is packaged in glass bottle (see below).
So when buying your Olive Oil, make sure you look for two things. A harvest date and the Australian Extra Virgin Certified Logo.
Please note: EVOO in a glass bottle will lose its extra virgin qualities much earlier especially if this glass bottle has been opened or not stored in a dark and cool pantry. Our EVOO will easily last 2 years because it is kept in a triple layered membrane that keeps out all light and air even after you start using it.
Another reason to only buy EVOO with a harvest date on the label, is because there will be differences from year to year (just like with wine) that reflects the season. For example, a dry year will produce a much stronger olive oil. So there is nothing wrong with purchasing last seasons olive oil (in some years it may be better than the current years oil) but I would stop short of purchasing anything that is older than that, especially if it is packaged in glass bottle (see below).
So when buying your Olive Oil, make sure you look for two things. A harvest date and the Australian Extra Virgin Certified Logo.
Please note: EVOO in a glass bottle will lose its extra virgin qualities much earlier especially if this glass bottle has been opened or not stored in a dark and cool pantry. Our EVOO will easily last 2 years because it is kept in a triple layered membrane that keeps out all light and air even after you start using it.