You Get What You Pay For

We’ve all heard the saying “you get what you pay for.” Usually it’s a warning: if something seems cheap, there’s probably a reason. True excellence takes time, care, and craft—and olive oil is no exception.

So why does The Virgin Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil cost more than the average bottle you’ll find on a grocery store shelf? Let’s break it down.

Where it’s grown

Our orchard isn’t just farmland—it’s a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Protecting the land protects the quality of the fruit. When you pour our oil, you’re tasting a place that’s alive.

Single estate vs. blended

Most store-bought oils are a mash-up of olives from who-knows-where. Ours come from one estate, organically grown in Capay, California. One source. One standard.

Varietal matters

Check the label on a bargain bottle—does it even mention the olive varietal? Probably not. We proudly grow Picual (a legendary Spanish variety) and Coratina (a bold Italian one). Each brings its own heritage, flavor, and story.

Harvest method

Big producers often rely on machines that strip everything off the branch. We don’t. Every olive we press is hand-selected—because details at harvest show up in every drop you taste.

Cold-pressed

There’s no cutting corners here. Cold pressing is the gold standard, and we never let the temperature creep above 27°C. That’s how you protect the flavor and nutrients.

Bottled right

If you’ve seen olive oil sold in clear plastic, you know what I’m talking about. Plastic can leach, light can spoil. That’s why we only use protective dark glass bottles—to keep the oil as pure and potent as the day it was pressed.

Polyphenol levels

Most brands don’t even tell you their polyphenol content. We do—because polyphenols are where the health benefits and the peppery kick live.

Freshness matters

Wine gets better with age. Olive oil doesn’t. If your bottle doesn’t show a harvest date, it might already be past its prime. We recommend enjoying one bottle per month for peak freshness and flavor.

That’s why quality olive oil costs more. With The Virgin Organic, you’re not just buying oil—you’re investing in higher standards, better health, and a flavor that will make you rethink every “ordinary” bottle you’ve ever bought.

The Virgin Organic – World Class. American Made.