Why Cold-Pressed Within 24 Hours Matters for Olive Oil
Contents
You may have seen “cold-pressed” on a label and wondered if it is just marketing. In reality, cold-pressed olive oil describes a specific way of working that protects flavour and nutrients. Timing matters just as much as temperature.
What does cold-pressed mean?
Cold-pressed (or cold-extracted) oil is made without heating the olive paste above 27°C. Heat can increase yield, but it also destroys delicate aromas and reduces polyphenols. Keeping temperatures low means a fresher, more fragrant oil.
Why the 24-hour window matters
Once olives are picked, they start to break down. Left in sacks or crates for days, they ferment and heat up. The result is higher acidity and “winey” or musty flavours. Pressing within 24 hours keeps the fruit in the best possible state.
What you notice in the bottle
- Aroma: greener, fresher, more fruity.
- Taste: balanced bitterness and pepperiness, not flat or greasy.
- Nutrition: more polyphenols and vitamin E are preserved.
- Shelf life: fresher oil keeps its character longer.
The steps behind good pressing
Quality starts in the grove with hand-picking and gentle handling. At the mill, olives are washed, crushed, slowly mixed at a controlled temperature and then separated into oil and water. The oil is stored away from light and air before bottling.
Frequently asked questions
Here are quick answers to related questions.
Is cold-pressed the same as extra virgin?
Not exactly. Extra virgin is the grade, defined by acidity and sensory quality. Cold-pressed describes the temperature during extraction. The best oils are both.
Does cold pressing give less oil?
Sometimes slightly less, but the quality is higher, with more aroma and more polyphenols.
How can I tell if oil was pressed quickly?
Fresh, green aroma and low bitterness defects are good signs. Ask the producer directly how soon after harvest they press.
Our approach at Shkrela
Shkrela olives are hand-picked in Albania and cold-pressed within 24 hours of harvest. We bottle in dark glass to protect the freshness. Explore our olive oil range or read about our family tradition.
Want to try it? Get in touch and we will help you choose the right size.
