Why Single-Origin Olive Oil Matters

In a world of mass-produced food, there’s something deeply special about knowing exactly where your ingredients come from. For olive oil lovers, single-origin extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) offers that assurance—and much more. But what exactly does “single-origin” mean, and why does it matter?

What Is Single-Origin Olive Oil?

Single-origin olive oil is made using olives grown in one specific region, often from a single estate or farm. That means every bottle reflects the soil, climate, olive varieties, and harvesting methods unique to that place.

By contrast, many supermarket olive oils are blends sourced from multiple countries or producers. While those blends may offer consistency, they often lack traceability, freshness, and distinctive flavor.

Why It Matters

✅ 1. Quality You Can Trust

When olive oil comes from a single origin, the producer has complete control over every step—from harvest to bottling. That usually means better care in farming, milling, and storing, which translates to higher-quality oil.

🌍 2. Sense of Place

Single-origin EVOO offers a true taste of its home region. Just like wine, olive oil reflects the terroir—the combination of soil, climate, and craftsmanship. When you enjoy a single-origin oil like Dell’Orto’s from Oliveto Citra in Campania, Italy, you’re tasting a tradition cultivated over generations.

🍃 3. Freshness & Purity

Single-origin producers often bottle only what they harvest each season, ensuring a fresh, unadulterated product. With Dell’Orto, for example, every bottle includes a harvest year and “best if used by” date, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

🔎 4. Transparency & Traceability

Knowing exactly where your oil comes from means you can research the producer, the grove, and the process. You don’t have to wonder if it’s been mixed, refined, or falsely labeled.

How to Spot a Real Single-Origin Olive Oil

Not all oils that sound artisanal are truly single-origin. Here’s how to spot the real thing:

✔️ Check the Label: Look for a clear mention of the harvest region or estate (like “Produced and Bottled in Campania, Italy”).
✔️ Harvest Date: Quality producers include the harvest year, not just an expiration date.
✔️ Certifications: PDO, Organic, and other certifications can help, but look beyond the labels.
✔️ Packaging: Premium oils are usually bottled in dark glass or tins to preserve freshness—never clear plastic.
✔️ Taste and Aroma: Expect complex flavors and fresh, green, fruity aromas—a sign of care and authenticity.

Why Dell’Orto Is Proudly Single-Origin

At Dell’Orto, we’ve been producing olive oil in Oliveto Citra for over 150 years. Our olives are grown, milled, and bottled all in one place, on a family estate that values tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Whether you choose our Classic, Organic, PDO, or infused oils, you can trust that every bottle tells the story of a single origin—ours.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Explore our full collection of single-origin extra virgin olive oils and discover what real EVOO tastes like. Shop Now