Question 1

How should I best use olive oil?

Accepted Answer

Our olive oil is particularly well suited for:
Finishing salads
Burrata, mozzarella, and tomatoes
Grilled vegetables
Fish and seafood
Carpaccio
Fresh bread
We recommend using it mainly raw, allowing its full range of aromas and flavors to unfold.

Question 2

How should I properly store high-quality olive oil?

Accepted Answer

Olive oil should be stored:
in a dark place
at room temperature
well sealed
Direct light, heat, and oxygen can reduce its quality. Our 500 ml bottle is deliberately chosen to ensure that the olive oil is consumed while still fresh.

Question 3

How long does TERRA ROSSA olive oil last?

Accepted Answer

Unopened, olive oil is generally best before 24 months. Once opened, we recommend enjoying it within a few months to experience its full aromatic profile.

Question 4

Has TERRA ROSSA received international awards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our TERRA ROSSA organic extra virgin olive oil has received numerous international awards at renowned olive oil competitions. Among them are several Gold Awards at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition in New York, the largest and most prestigious olive oil competition in the world.

These international recognitions confirm the exceptional quality of our organic olive oil and our commitment to sustainable cultivation and careful cold extraction in Istria.

Question 5

What does the best-before date mean for olive oil?

Accepted Answer

The best-before date is not an expiration date.
It means that, when stored properly, the olive oil will retain its typical characteristics such as aroma, fruitiness, and freshness until that time.
After the best-before date has passed, the olive oil is not automatically spoiled or harmful to health – it may simply lose some of its aromatic intensity.

Question 6

Can olive oil still be used after the best-before date?

Accepted Answer

Yes – in most cases, it can.

Olive oil does not become “dangerous”; it simply oxidizes slowly over time. If the oil:
does not smell rancid
does not taste musty
has not developed unpleasant bitter or metallic notes
it can still be used.

A simple test:
Smell the oil (neutral, fresh, slightly grassy = good)
Taste a small sip (pleasant bitterness and a light peppery sensation are signs of quality)

However, if the oil smells strongly rancid (similar to old nuts or wax), it should no longer be consumed.

Question 7

How can I tell if olive oil has gone bad?

Accepted Answer

You can recognize spoiled olive oil by the following characteristics:

Rancid smell (similar to old walnuts, candle wax, or cardboard)
Flat, dull taste
Lack of fruitiness
No slight peppery sensation in the throat

By contrast, a high-quality olive oil rich in polyphenols, such as TERRA ROSSA, typically shows:
Fresh green aromas
Light bitterness
A pleasant peppery finish

These characteristics are signs of quality – not of spoilage.

Question 8

How does storage affect the shelf life of olive oil?

Accepted Answer

The three biggest enemies of olive oil are:
Light
Heat
Oxygen

Optimal storage conditions:
Keep it in a dark place
Store at 18°C (64°F)
Keep the bottle well sealed
Do not store it near the stove or a window

Our 500 ml bottle is deliberately chosen so that the olive oil can be enjoyed while still fresh after opening.

Question 9

Does olive oil deteriorate over time?

Accepted Answer

Olive oil is a natural product and naturally changes over time.

As it ages:
Fruitiness decreases
Bitterness becomes milder
The polyphenol content gradually declines

Therefore, we recommend:
👉 Enjoy high-quality olive oil fresh rather than storing it for too long.