Plastics bottles are super cute! But terrible for Olive Oil. 

At Mezzetta, we believe the key to exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) lies not just in its quality, but also in the way it’s stored. Understanding what sets high-quality EVOO apart and why glass packaging is far superior ensures you always get the most out of every bottle.

What Makes High-Quality EVOO?

Freshness is Key

High-quality EVOO starts with the freshest, best quality olives, harvested early in the season when they’re just beginning to ripen. During this period, olives have the highest levels of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that not only protect the oil from oxidation but also add a burst of flavor and nutrients to your meals.

Mezzetta olive oil is pressed from local Northern California olives within hours of harvest. This short time between harvest and pressing ensures that our EVOO retains its high polyphenol content, keeping the oil fresh and loaded with health benefits.

The Importance of Glass Packaging Protection Against Oxidation

One of the biggest threats to the quality of EVOO is oxidation, which causes the oil to turn rancid. When olive oil oxidizes, it begins to smell like crayons (who knew?), and the healthy fats start breaking down, forming free radicals that can be harmful to our bodies. According to olive oil expert Leandro Ravetti*, “When an oil oxidizes and goes rancid, the healthy fats in extra-virgin olive oil start breaking down, and free radicals start to form. Free radicals are effectively the opposite of an antioxidant and can cause damage within our body.”

The Superiority of Glass

Glass packaging is an excellent choice for storing EVOO because it acts as an effective oxygen barrier, preventing oxidation and keeping the oil fresh. Additionally, the tint in glass bottles provides a light barrier, slowing down the light oxidation process, which can further degrade the oil.
While convenient, plastic containers just aren’t ideal for storing olive oil. Plastic is fat-soluble, meaning it can transfer flavors to the oil, resulting in an unpleasant taste. Moreover, plastic typically has poor oxygen barrier properties, accelerating the rancidity of the oil and reducing its antioxidant content.

At Mezzetta, we even go a step further by using a nitrogen cap to keep oxygen away from the oil until the bottle is opened, ensuring every drop of our EVOO retains the freshness and quality we’re known for.

Taste the Mezzetta Difference

Choosing Mezzetta EVOO means selecting an oil that’s fresh, flavorful, and carefully protected to maintain its superior quality. Our commitment to using the finest California olives, harvested and pressed at their peak, combined with our dedication to optimal storage methods, ensures that you always get the best EVOO—and the most flavor out of every bite.

What Makes High-Quality EVOO?

Freshness is Key
High-quality EVOO starts with the freshest olives, harvested early in the season when they’re just ripening. Early-harvested olives have higher polyphenols, which protect the oil and add flavor. Mezzetta’s EVOO is pressed within hours of harvest to ensure freshness.

The Importance of Glass Packaging
Protection against oxidation, which can make EVOO rancid and break down healthy fats into harmful free radicals.

The Superiority of Glass
Glass bottles act as effective oxygen and light barriers, keeping the oil fresh.

Plastic containers can transfer flavors and accelerate rancidity. Mezzetta uses a nitrogen cap to maintain freshness until the bottle is opened.