Olive oil tips
New Olive Oil: When the Harvest Season Begins in Albania
Contents
Olive oil is not produced all year round. There is a window of several weeks in the fall that determines the quality of all production, and buyers who know this calendar buy better.
Harvest calendar in Albania
The season starts in October and lasts until the beginning of December, depending on the area and the weather. In the hills of Ardenica and Vlora, where our olive groves are located, the harvest begins when the fruit changes from green to cherry color.
- October: early harvest, oil richer in polyphenols, strong grass aroma, smaller yield per kilogram
- November: balance between quantity and quality, the main period of production
- December: ripest fruit, milder oil, less antioxidants
What distinguishes the new oil
For the first few weeks after pressing, the oil appears cloudy and has an intense aroma of cut grass. This turbidity comes from pulp particles and disappears after decanting. The taste is spicier, with bitterness that some love and others find strong.
After three or four months, the oil calms down. The aroma mellows, the spiciness subsides, and it enters its most balanced phase, lasting up to about 18 months.
When you buy it
Buying in November and December gives you the freshest oil of the year. Albanian families are traditionally supplied for the whole year in this period, with quantities of 10-20 liters. For businesses, this is the moment when annual supply contracts are closed. See the conditions for wholesale olive oil.
If you buy out of season, look for the harvest date on the label. An oil harvested before 24 months is still safe, but has lost most of its properties.
From tree to bottle within 24 hours
At Shkrela, the olives picked in the morning enter the factory the same day. The faster the pressing, the lower the acidity and the fuller the flavor. We describe the complete process on the company's website.
Frequently asked questions
When does the olive season start in Albania?
From mid-October to early December, depending on the area and weather.
Is the new oil better than last year's?
It has more polyphenols and more intense flavor. Last year's oil, well stored, remains completely qualitative.
How long does olive oil last?
About 18 months from harvest if stored in a dark bottle, away from light and heat.
Reserve your quantity for the next season by contacting us.
