How to Read an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Lab Report

Laboratory analysis is one part of assessing extra virgin olive oil. It helps verify chemical quality and whether an oil falls within the legal limits for its category.

Free acidity

Free acidity is expressed as a percentage of oleic acid. Lower figures generally indicate that the fruit and oil were handled well, but acidity is not something you can taste directly.

Peroxide value and oxidation

Other tests look at oxidation and the condition of the oil. Together, these measurements provide a technical picture of freshness and quality.

Why sensory assessment still matters

Extra virgin olive oil is not defined by a laboratory figure alone. Sensory assessment also matters because the oil must be free from defects and show positive olive-fruit characteristics.

Batch-specific results

Lab results apply to the batch that was tested. We publish harvest and batch information so claims can be tied to the actual oil in circulation rather than treated as permanent marketing copy.

See the current harvest and batch information, learn more about our oil, or view the current bottle.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.