How to Choose the Best Olive Oil (Plus a Harvest Bread Dipping Oil Recipe)

Olive oil is one of the most powerful ingredients in the kitchen. A drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil can elevate a salad, finish a soup, or turn a loaf of bread into a memorable appetizer. But with so many bottles lining the grocery store shelves, how do you know which one to bring home?

Here are five simple points to guide you—and a cozy fall-inspired recipe to help you put your olive oil to good use.

5 Keys to Choosing the Best Olive Oil

1. Always Buy Extra Virgin
“Extra virgin” means the oil was extracted without heat or chemicals, preserving its flavor and nutrients. Unlike “light” or “pure” olive oil, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) tastes vibrant and complex. That difference matters when you’re using it raw—drizzled over bread, salads, or roasted vegetables.

2. Check the Harvest Date
Think of olive oil as fresh juice rather than a pantry staple. The closer you are to the harvest date, the better the flavor. Over time, oils lose brightness and can taste flat or even rancid. Look for bottles that list the harvest date (not just “best by”) and use your oil within 12–18 months of harvest.

3. Look for Dark Glass Bottles
Olive oil is sensitive to light, which can degrade both its flavor and quality. That’s why you’ll often see higher-quality oils in dark green or brown glass bottles. If you spot olive oil in clear plastic or glass, it’s less protected, and may not be as fresh.

4. Check the Origin
Like wine, olive oil reflects the region where it’s grown. A bottle that lists a single country or estate (like “Harvested in Tuscany” or “Product of Spain”) usually signals higher quality than blends from multiple, unspecified sources. Single-origin oils often have more distinctive and traceable flavor profiles.

5. Taste Matters Most
At the end of the day, flavor is the ultimate test. A good olive oil should taste lively, grassy, fruity, or even a little peppery in the back of your throat. If it tastes flat, greasy, or flavorless, it’s not worth it. Trust your palate—you’ll quickly learn the difference.

Harvest Bread Dipping Oil

Yield: Serves 6

Time: About 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
• Zest of ½ orange 
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 
• ¼ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Flaky sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a shallow serving dish, add garlic,  orange zest, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Pour the olive oil over the top.
3. Stir everything together and sprinkle pumpkin seeds, herbs, salt, and black pepper on top.
4. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread.

Why This Recipe Works

• Seasonal Touches: Pumpkin seeds and warm spices bring a cozy fall feel.
• Balanced Flavors: The orange zest and apple cider vinegar brighten the richness of the oil.
• Visual Appeal: Green herbs, orange zest, and golden oil make this a beautiful centerpiece for any table.

The Takeaway

Olive oil isn’t just another pantry staple—it’s an ingredient that can make or break a dish. By knowing what to look for and choosing the right bottle, you’ll unlock flavors that transform even the simplest recipes. This Harvest Bread Dipping Oil is proof that when you start with high-quality olive oil, a handful of seasonal ingredients is all you need for something truly special.