At Adelaide Hills Harvest, every drop of our olive oil comes from a single estate in the Adelaide region. Our family’s commitment is to produce oils of the highest quality, made with care, precision, and respect for both the fruit and the land.
What Makes Our Olive Oil Different?
All our oils are 100% cold-extracted, unrefined, and unfiltered, produced at temperatures below 27°C—and in the case of our Arbosana, below 25°C. This delicate process safeguards the oil’s natural antioxidants and polyphenols, while also keeping fatty acids extremely low (0.25–0.30%, well below the <0.8% international classification for EVOO).
Importantly, we press our olives just hours after harvest. This ensures maximum freshness, flavour, and health benefits are locked in from the very beginning.
Why Temperature Matters
Many commercial producers extract at higher temperatures to increase yield. While this may produce more oil, it sacrifices quality, aroma, and nutrition. High-heat extraction degrades the natural antioxidants, diminishes polyphenols, and results in oils that lack the vibrant flavour and health-giving properties of true extra virgin olive oil.
The Power of Polyphenols
That peppery sensation you feel at the back of your throat when tasting fresh EVOO is no accident—it’s the mark of high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants with well-documented benefits, including:
- Reducing inflammation in the body
- Supporting heart health by improving cholesterol balance
- Protecting cells from oxidative stress
- Contributing to healthy aging
The bitterness and pungency of an early-harvest, cold-pressed EVOO aren’t flaws—they’re the very signs of quality and vitality in the oil.
What to Look For in a High-Quality EVOO
If you’ve grown up on supermarket oils, you may be more accustomed to flat, neutral flavours. But true EVOO should be vibrant and distinctive. When tasting, look for:
- Fresh, grassy, or fruity aromas
- Bitterness on the palate (a sign of antioxidants)
- Peppery finish (polyphenol content)
- Clean, smooth texture
These are the characteristics of an oil that not only elevates food but also nourishes your health.
By contrast, our low-temperature extraction honours both the fruit and the tradition of artisanal olive oil making.
Our Promise
At Adelaide Hills Harvest, we don’t chase yield—we chase purity, flavour, and integrity. Every bottle reflects our commitment to producing olive oils that are as good for your health as they are for your table.
