What are polyphenols in olive oil and why do they matter?
- Lauren Guedes
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
If you've been researching extra virgin olive oil, you've probably come across the term polyphenols. But what exactly are they, and why are they considered one of the most important indicators of a high-quality olive oil?
The simple answer is this: polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds that help protect the olive tree and can also provide health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
They're one of the main reasons why premium early harvest extra virgin olive oil is so highly valued by chefs, nutrition experts, and anyone following a Mediterranean-style diet.
What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in many plants, including olives, tea, berries, grapes, dark chocolate, and nuts.
In olive oil, they help:
Protect the oil from oxidation
Preserve freshness and flavour
Create the distinctive peppery finish found in quality extra virgin olive oil
Contribute to the oil's nutritional profile
The amount of polyphenols varies dramatically from one olive oil to another. Some refined olive oils contain very few, while premium early harvest extra virgin olive oils can contain several hundred milligrams per kilogram.
Why Do Polyphenols Matter?
Polyphenols are important because they influence three key areas:
1. They Help Protect the Olive Oil
Polyphenols act as natural antioxidants that help keep olive oil fresher for longer by slowing oxidation.
This means high-polyphenol oils often maintain their quality and flavour better when stored correctly.
2. They Contribute to Health Benefits
Research has shown that olive oil polyphenols can help protect blood lipids from oxidative stress when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a health claim stating that olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress, provided the oil contains sufficient levels of these compounds and the required daily intake is consumed.
This is one reason why extra virgin olive oil plays such an important role in the Mediterranean diet.
3. They Create Incredible Flavour
Ever noticed a peppery sensation at the back of your throat after tasting a premium extra virgin olive oil?
That's often a sign of a high-quality oil rich in natural polyphenols.
Many people assume the pepperiness means something is wrong with the oil—but it's actually one of the characteristics that olive oil experts look for.
Fresh, vibrant flavours such as:
Green grass
Tomato vine
Artichoke
Fresh herbs
Almond
Apple
Pepper
are all hallmarks of exceptional extra virgin olive oil.
What Is Considered a High Polyphenol Olive Oil?
There isn't a single universal definition, but generally:
Under 200 mg/kg – Lower polyphenol content
200–350 mg/kg – Moderate polyphenol content
350–500 mg/kg – High polyphenol content
Over 500 mg/kg – Exceptionally high polyphenol content
The exact level varies every harvest depending on weather, olive variety, growing conditions, and the timing of harvest.
Why Early Harvest Olive Oil Contains More Polyphenols
One of the biggest factors affecting polyphenol levels is when the olives are picked.
Early harvest olives are collected while they are still green and full of natural protective compounds.
Although early harvesting produces less oil from each olive, it often results in:
Higher polyphenol content
More intense flavour
Greater freshness
Richer green aromas
Better natural stability
It's a trade-off that prioritises quality over quantity.
Andalucian Olives Early Harvest Olive Oil
At Andalucian Olive Company, quality has always come before quantity.
Our Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains more than 500 mg/kg of naturally occurring polyphenols, placing it among the highest-quality extra virgin olive oils available.
Harvested while the olives are still young and vibrant, this exceptional oil offers:
Exceptionally high polyphenol content (500+ mg/kg)
Fresh grassy aromas
Balanced bitterness
A distinctive peppery finish
Rich, fruity flavour
Premium extra virgin quality from Andalucía, Spain
It's an olive oil designed not only to enhance your cooking but also to showcase the characteristics that make authentic Spanish extra virgin olive oil so highly respected around the world.
How Can You Tell If an Olive Oil Is Rich in Polyphenols?
While laboratory testing is the only way to know the exact level, there are a few signs that often indicate a high-polyphenol olive oil:
A peppery sensation in your throat
Pleasant bitterness
Fresh green aromas
Early harvest stated by the producer
Harvest date provided
Extra virgin classification
These qualities are all signs that the olives were harvested and processed with great care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are polyphenols in olive oil?
Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds that act as antioxidants. They help protect both the olive oil itself and contribute to its nutritional profile.
Is a higher polyphenol olive oil better?
Generally, higher polyphenol levels are associated with fresher, early harvest extra virgin olive oils that have more robust flavour and greater natural antioxidant content.
Why does high-polyphenol olive oil taste peppery?
The peppery sensation comes from naturally occurring phenolic compounds, particularly one called oleocanthal, which is found in many premium extra virgin olive oils.
Does early harvest olive oil contain more polyphenols?
Yes. Olives picked earlier in the season generally contain significantly higher levels of polyphenols than fully ripe olives.
What does 500+ polyphenols mean?
An olive oil with more than 500 mg/kg of polyphenols is considered exceptionally rich in these naturally occurring compounds. Oils at this level are typically early harvest, premium-quality extra virgin olive oils with bold, fresh flavours.
Final Thoughts
Polyphenols are one of the defining characteristics of exceptional extra virgin olive oil. They influence flavour, freshness, stability, and are associated with recognised health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Choosing an early harvest olive oil with naturally high polyphenol levels means you're enjoying an oil that reflects careful harvesting, expert production, and a commitment to quality.
If you're looking to experience the bold flavour and exceptional quality of a true early harvest olive oil, Andalucian Olives Organic Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with more than 500 mg/kg of naturally occurring polyphenols, is crafted to bring the very best of the Med to your table.
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