HP EVOO - High Polyphenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Early harvest, strong in taste

HP EVOO is pressed from specific olive varieties naturally rich in polyphenols, such as Koroneiki, Moraiolo, and Coratina. The olives are harvested early, while still green, and are processed immediately under controlled conditions. This optimally preserves the active ingredients. This early harvest results in an intense, bitter flavor and a tingling sensation in the back of the throat. This isn't a flaw, but rather a hallmark of the polyphenols.

Wat zegt de wetenschap?

Polyphenol concentrations are measured in laboratories and can range from 250 to over 1500 milligrams per kilogram. The higher the concentration, the more potent the effect. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has even approved an official health claim for olive oil containing at least 5 milligrams of hydroxytyrosol per 20 grams of oil. This claim states: "Polyphenols in olive oil help protect blood fats from oxidative stress."

Note: There are several analysis methods for measuring polyphenol content:

1. HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). This is the gold standard.

2. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance).

3. Colorimetric methods (Folin–Ciocalteu assay).

From taste to health

HP EVOO has a robust, bitter, and peppery flavor. The oil is prized for its extended shelf life, greater stability, and additional health benefits. Research links this potent oil to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain types of cancer.

How do you recognize HP-EVOO?

Pay attention to these characteristics:

> The polyphenol content in mg/kg must be stated on the label.

> The analysis test used to measure the polyphenol content must be specified. An HPLC test is the appropriate test and is approved by the International Olive Council (IOC).

> Harvest date: Early-harvested and cold-pressed oil generally contains more active ingredients.

> Best-before date

> EU health claim: confirms the scientific substantiation

> Country of origin

A matter of measuring

How can you be sure how many polyphenols are in an olive oil? This is determined in a laboratory using specialized analytical methods. The most reliable technique is liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This method separates the compounds in the oil and then weighs them at the molecular level. This provides an extremely precise measurement of the various polyphenols in the oil.

Another commonly used method is HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), which also separates substances but zooms in less deeply. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is a technique that uses magnetic fields, but in this case often produces inaccurate or excessively high values.

In short: choosing HP EVOO not only means choosing taste and health, but also craftsmanship, precision, and the power of nature in its most concentrated form.