Freshness: The Secret Ingredient in Exceptional Olive Oil
Unlike wine, olive oil doesn't improve with age. In fact, the opposite is true—the moment olives are harvested, a countdown begins. At Masseria, we believe that freshness isn't just a quality factor; it's the foundation of everything exceptional about premium olive oil, from its vibrant flavor to its powerful health benefits.
Why Freshness Matters
Freshness in olive oil isn't a marketing concept—it's chemistry. Olive oil contains delicate compounds that begin to degrade when exposed to three enemies: time, light, and oxygen. These natural processes diminish not only the oil's distinctive flavor notes but also reduce its polyphenol content—those powerful antioxidants that make premium olive oil a true superfood.
When you experience that distinctive peppery sensation at the back of your throat after tasting Masseria, you're experiencing the presence of oleocanthal and oleacein, phenolic compounds with remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. This peppery kick isn't just a flavor note—it's a direct indicator of freshness and high antioxidant content. As olive oil ages, this sensation fades, signaling a decline in both flavor and health benefits.
The Filtering Debate
In the world of olive oil, few topics generate more passionate debate than filtration. Some producers market "unfiltered" oils as more natural or flavorful, but at Masseria, our approach is guided by science and experience.
Think of those tiny olive particles present in unfiltered oil like pulp in fresh-pressed juice. Initially, they contribute to an intense flavor burst. But over time, these particles settle and begin fermenting, triggering oxidation that dims both the oil's complex flavors and its health benefits.
Through careful filtration, we capture and preserve peak flavors while removing only the particles that would cause deterioration. It's like pressing pause on time—maintaining the moment when the oil is at its absolute best.
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- Filtered Masseria maintains its freshness for up to two years when unopened
- By contrast, unfiltered olive oil begins to degrade within six weeks
- Most importantly, our filtration process helps preserve those precious polyphenols that make olive oil such a healthful choice
Many producers skip filtration to reduce costs and boost profits—filtering can result in a 10-15% loss in yield as particles are removed from the oil. At Masseria, we believe this sacrifice in quantity is worth it to ensure the highest quality and longest-lasting product for our customers.
For those who love the bold, punchy intensity of unfiltered olive oil, the ideal time to enjoy it is during harvest season when it can be consumed straight from the press. This is why we offer our limited-edition Novello each fall—an unfiltered celebration of the new harvest that delivers that magical just-pressed experience. But for year-round excellence, our carefully filtered signature Masseria provides the perfect balance of vibrant flavor and extended freshness.
Small-Batch Bottling: Our Freshness Innovation
While most olive oil companies press once and bottle their entire production at the same time, we take a radically different approach. After pressing, our Masseria is stored in black-out stainless steel tanks, meticulously designed to shield the oil from light and heat. These tanks are not only temperature-controlled but also equipped with an advanced oxygen removal system, creating an environment where the oil retains its freshness and vibrant characteristics for months.
We then bottle Masseria in small batches throughout the year—a practice rare in the industry. This ensures that from the moment a tin is sealed to when it's opened in your kitchen, the olive oil is at peak freshness. It's a meticulous, labor-intensive process, but it's a testament to our dedication to delivering not just a product, but a true experience of quality.
How to Preserve Freshness at Home
Once your tin of Masseria arrives, there are simple steps you can take to maintain its exceptional quality:
- Store your olive oil away from heat sources like your stove or direct sunlight
- Keep the tin tightly sealed when not in use
- Aim to finish each tin within 4-6 weeks of opening
Remember, the vibrant flavor that makes you reach for Masseria—that bright, grassy character with its distinctive peppery finish—is a direct reflection of freshness. By understanding how freshness impacts quality and taking simple steps to preserve it, you'll enjoy the full expression of what makes premium olive oil extraordinary.
From our groves to your table, freshness is our promise—and the key to experiencing olive oil as nature intended.
