What to look for when buying olive oil

Buy the freshest oil possible. Look for a pressed-on or harvest date. Best-before dates aren’t always a good indicator of quality, as you don’t know how old the oil can be.

Green or dark bottles, or tins, provide better protection from the light. Don’t buy clear-bottled oils, especially ones that have been displayed in a shop window or under fluorescent light.

Store in a cool dark place, tightly stoppered.

Don’t stockpile. Oils don’t improve with age so use any open oil within 12 months.