Great Olive Oil ? …two words “Harvest Date” Look for “Harvest Date” or “Pressed date” on the label indicate genuine olive oil. Including a harvest date (typically the month/year the olives were picked and pressed) on the label is a strong sign of transparency and freshness in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Olive oil quality peaks soon after harvest and begins to degrade over time, losing flavor, polyphenols, and health benefits. Experts recommend oils within 12–24 months of harvest (ideally the most recent one); a harvest date lets you verify this, unlike vague “best by” dates (often 18–24 months from bottling).    Not all brands (especially mass-market or blended supermarket oils) include it—its presence often signals higher-quality, single-origin, or artisan producers who prioritize traceability. It’s more common in California-grown, premium Italian/Spanish/Greek, or direct-to-consumer brands. Widely available or recommended brands that include harvest date on the label: • California Olive Ranch (including 100% California and Everyday Fresh/Global Blend lines) → Widely available in supermarkets; prints specific harvest months/years (e.g., Oct–Nov or Oct–Dec). Here are examples of California Olive Ranch labels showing harvest date: o Graza (“Sizzle” cooking and “Drizzle” finishing oils) o Carapelli Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil → Supermarket winner in tests; recent harvest date noted as contributing to freshness. o Bertolli Rich Taste Extra Virgin Olive Oil → Lucini Premium Select o Paesanol Unfiltered → Grocery-store taste-tested o 365 Whole Foods Market Unfiltered California Olive Oil Other notable (often premium/artisan) brands: Brightland Corto (Truly EVOO) Bariani Cobram Estate Fat Gold Manni Frankies 457 Bono Sicilian Partanna (select products) Bramasole Oliviers & Co Tips when shopping: Look for the most recent harvest (e.g., fall 2024/2025 or spring for Southern Hemisphere). Prefer dark/tinted glass or tin (protects from light/oxida