Olive oil is the unsung hero of the kitchen. It's one of the most commonly used ingredients in most recipes. As such, the quality of your olive oil and what's in the bottle itself can change the taste of your meal dramatically.
In Australia, we have a wealth of options when it comes to purchasing olive oil, especially if you're visiting a wholesaler. From local suppliers to global distributors, there are many factors to consider when buying olive oil. Read our guide to find out what these are!
Terra Madre is an organic wholesaler specialising in providing the freshest and best products on the market. Check out our range online or in-store today.
How to choose an olive oil
When choosing olive oil, you need to know what type to use for your purpose. For use in food, consider whether the olive oil will be used for cooking, or whether you're using it to add flavour to prepared dishes and salads.
Organic olive oil is a fresh product and should be consumed within two years of harvest. Ask about the harvest date or check the packaging to find out.
Find out where the olives are grown and pressed, and look for local products with lower environmental impact. If you are in-store, you may even be able to taste it before you purchase.
Which type of olive oil is best for my purpose?
Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil available. It contains antioxidants and polyphenols and is generally more expensive than other olive oils. Extra virgin olive oil is often used in salad dressings and sauces rather in for cooking. It generally comes in mild, medium or strong flavours.
Pure extra virgin olive oil is made from recently harvested, fresh olives The olive oil is removed mechanically, without solvents, at a temperature at or below 30°C.
Virgin olive oil
This olive oil is of a lower quality than extra virgin olive oil and doesn't have the same fruity flavour.
Pure olive oil
Pure olive oil is generally less expensive. It is virtually odourless and tasteless, so it's ideal for cooking without adding or influencing the flavour of the dish.
Orujo (or pomace) olive oil
This type of olive oil is produced from excess residue from pressed olive oil. It is refined using organic solvents and is used for making soaps and other products rather than for consumption.
What to look for in an olive oil supplier
The health benefits of butter and other oils are often controversial. While a new fad oil alternative pops up every other week, olive oil has remained a solid, healthy kitchen option for decades. Almost everyone is comfortable using olive oil in their cooking.
To find the right olive oil wholesaler, here are some things to look for:
Organic Certification
If you're going to use olive oil in all your cooking, then you'll want to make sure it's organic. When a company lists its products as 'organic', this means they have received an organic certification ensuring there are no chemicals or growth enhances used when growing the olive plants.
Australian Certified Organic (ACO) is the largest of the seven approved certifiers for Australian organic products. At Terra Madre, we are fully certified by the ACO. Our olive oils are free from synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or genetic modification.
No minimum order for local delivery
For individuals who want to buy wholesale, or those starting a new business, you may not need a large order. When stored away from heat and direct light, olive oil generally lasts for a couple of months, so you only need to purchase the amount you'll use in that time.
Look for a wholesale supplier who can deliver the quantity you need. This allows your business time to grow while managing costs and inventory.
High-quality olive oil
The quality of organic olive oil can vary, especially when you buy in bulk. Find out where the olives are grown, where the olive oil is pressed and check the harvest date.
Affordable organic products
Certified organic olive oil can be expensive. Look for a supplier with a business model that focuses on making organic products accessible to everyone.
Locally sourced product
When you purchase product sourced locally within Australia, you reduce the environmental impact of that purchase. Ask around to find a wholesale olive oil supplier who supports Australian farmers.
Many international organic wholesalers deliver Australia-wide, so make sure you find out if the wholesaler you're considering supports the local community and Australian farmers.
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