Olive Oils

The organic CAPRI, SABINA and BIOOLIO options list the same Sicilian olive variety, Nocellara del Belice; their names mainly distinguish bottle designs and available volumes. RISERVA uses a different mix of varieties: Nocellara del Belice, Cerasuola and Biancolilla. Choose by the varieties, flavour description and volume, rather than taking a more decorative bottle as proof of a better oil.

No, extra virgin olive oil can also be used for everyday cooking. Its aroma and flavour are easiest to appreciate without heating. For specialist oils such as PhenOliv and Ladolea, the product descriptions recommend salads, bread or finished dishes. Using these oils at the table is therefore a practical choice; when heating oil, do not let it smoke.

The figure refers to a particular analysis and may change with the harvest. For example, PhenOliv's figure explicitly refers to a specific harvest, while Ladolea gives a range depending on the harvest. If polyphenols guide your choice, check the analysis for the current batch, rather than just the highest figure in the description. Send us the oil's name and we can help find the available information for the pack on sale.

If you only use oil to finish dishes, start with a smaller bottle. The five-litre Ladolea makes sense for regular use; decant a small amount into a clean, dry bottle for the kitchen counter. Keep the remaining oil tightly sealed in a cool, dark place away from the cooker. Compare prices for the same volume and consider how quickly you will use the oil after opening.