Olive oil tips
New Season Olive Oil: When the Harvest Begins in Albania
Contents
Olive oil is not produced all year round. There is a window of a few weeks in autumn that decides the quality of the whole year’s production, and buyers who know this calendar buy better.
The harvest calendar in Albania
The season starts in October and lasts until early December, depending on the area and the weather. In the hills of Ardenica and Vlora, where our groves are, picking begins when the fruit turns from green to cherry red.
- October: early harvest – oil richer in polyphenols, a strong aroma of cut grass, a lower yield per kilo
- November: the balance between quantity and quality – the main production period
- December: the ripest fruit – a milder oil with fewer antioxidants
What makes new oil different
In the first weeks after pressing, the oil looks cloudy and has an intense aroma of freshly cut grass. The cloudiness comes from tiny particles of pulp and disappears after the oil settles. The taste is more peppery, with a bitterness some people love and others find strong.
After three or four months the oil calms down. The aroma softens, the pungency fades, and it enters its most balanced phase, which lasts until about 18 months.
When to buy
Buying in November and December gets you the freshest oil of the year. Albanian families traditionally stock up for the whole year at this time, with 10–20 litres. For businesses, this is when annual supply contracts are signed. See the terms for bulk olive oil.
If you buy out of season, look for the harvest date on the label. An oil harvested 24 months ago is still safe, but it has lost the best part of its properties.
From tree to bottle within 24 hours
At Shkrela, olives picked in the morning go into the mill the same day. The sooner the pressing, the lower the acidity and the fuller the aroma. We describe the whole process on our company page.
Frequently asked questions
When does the olive season start in Albania?
From mid-October to early December, depending on the area and the weather.
Is new oil better than last year’s?
It has more polyphenols and a more intense aroma. Last year’s oil, if stored well, is still of excellent quality.
How long does olive oil last?
About 18 months from the harvest if stored in a dark bottle, away from light and heat.
Reserve your quantity for the next season by contacting us.
