The Governor Olive Oil – Frequently Asked Questions

What is high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil?

High-phenolic olive oil is a type of extra virgin olive oil that contains a much higher polyphenol (antioxidant) content than typical EVOO. 

Regular EVOO may contain 50–150 mg/kg polyphenols, whereas certified high-phenolic oils exceed 250 mg/kg, the Governor EVOO averaging over 1500mg/kg.

Authenticity is established through independent laboratory analysis and compliance with recognised health standards.

At The Governor Olive Oil, our high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil is supported by: Independent laboratory testing that verifies polyphenol content.

• Download the Limited Edition Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS 2025/26 from the World Olive Centre for Health.
  
  
• Download the Premium Unfiltered Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS 2025/26 from the World Olive Centre for Health.

Full traceability from harvest to bottling. We believe lab-verified data, not marketing terms, define true high-phenolic olive oil.

What makes The Governor Olive Oil high-phenolic?

Our olive oil is produced from early-harvest olives, when polyphenol levels are naturally highest. Combined with careful milling and minimal processing, this results in an oil with exceptionally high concentrations of beneficial phenolic compounds, including oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol derivatives.

What are polyphenols and why are they important?

Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidant compounds found in olives. In olive oil, they are associated with:

• Protection against oxidative stress
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Support for cardiovascular health
• Higher polyphenol content means a more biologically active olive oil.

How can I tell if an olive oil is truly high-phenolic?

A genuine high-phenolic olive oil should provide:

• Lab-verified polyphenol values (mg/kg)
• A clearly stated harvest date
• A distinct bitter and peppery flavour, often causing a throat “sting”
• Mild, neutral oils are typically lower in phenolic compounds.

Do all extra virgin olive oils offer the same health benefits?

No. While all authentic extra virgin olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats, polyphenol levels vary dramatically depending on olive variety, harvest timing, processing, and freshness.

High-phenolic EVOO exhibits significantly higher antioxidant activity than standard EVOO.

Why does The Governor Olive Oil taste bitter or peppery?

Bitterness and pepperiness are natural indicators of high polyphenol content, particularly oleocanthal. These sensory characteristics are not flaws; they are widely recognised as markers of freshness, potency, and quality.

Is The Governor Olive Oil suitable for daily consumption?

Yes, absolutely. Use small daily amounts as part of a balanced diet. Because of its potency, a little goes a long way, both in flavour and functional benefit.

According to the EU health claim, 20g per day of a high phenolic olive oil contains 250mg/kg. The Governor contains far higher than this. We recommend 1 Tablespoon for prevention and 2 tablespoons a day if taking for a health condition. 
If you’re using a regular olive oil, you’ll need to increase your daily dosage.

Can The Governor Olive Oil be used for cooking?

Yes. High-phenolic extra virgin olive oil is exceptionally stable when heated, thanks to its naturally high antioxidant (polyphenol) content.

Polyphenols help protect the oil from oxidative breakdown, which is what causes oils to degrade, smoke, and form harmful compounds during cooking. Because of this, high-phenolic olive oil is more heat-stable than many refined seed oils and lower-quality olive oils.

The Governor Olive Oil can be safely used for cooking at temperatures up to approximately 210 °C (410 °F), which covers most sautéing, roasting, and everyday cooking methods.

That said, Heating will gradually reduce phenolic levels over time.
For maximum health benefit, many customers prefer to enjoy it raw or as a finishing oil. For high-heat or prolonged cooking, it remains a safe and stable choice, even if some phenolics are sacrificed

How should I store my olive oil?

To preserve freshness and phenolic content:

• Store in a cool, dark place
• Keep the bottle tightly closed and keep it in its protective box
• Avoid heat and direct sunlight

Freshness is essential. Olive oil is a fruit juice, not a shelf-stable commodity, so it's best used within 3 months once opened. 

Is my Olive Oil ok if it has frozen?

Yes. Extra Virgin Olive Oil will freeze when temperatures drop below 45 degrees. This doesn't affect the oil in any way and if fact it can help to preserve the healthful compounds.

How is The Governor Olive Oil different from some other olive oils on the market?

Many olive oils are blended, aged, or lack transparency.
The Governor Olive Oil stands apart through:

• Verified high polyphenol content
• Early harvest and small-batch production
• Transparent testing and documentation
• Focus on functional quality, not mass production

Is bitterness a sign the oil is defective or spoiled?

No. In fact, bitterness and pungency are signs of fresh, high-quality olive oil. Rancid oil tastes flat, greasy, or waxy, never bitter or peppery.

Why is high-phenolic olive oil more expensive?

High-phenolic olive oil requires:

• Earlier harvest (lower yield)
• Faster processing
• Specialised testing
• Smaller production volumes

The result is an oil that is nutritionally denser and more costly to produce, but also more concentrated and purposeful.

Why is Extra Virgin Olive Oil healthier than other vegetable and seed oils?

Vegetable and seed oils don't contain the abundance of unique polyphenols only found in EVOO, such as oleocanthal and oleacein, which have been used in many scientific studies for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Why is high-phenolic olive oil more expensive?

To preserve the maximum phenolic content of the olives, the olives need to be harvested very early in the season. The olives are very small at this point and contain very little oil so the yield needed to produce each bottle is far greater than for a lower quality oil. Quality over quantity.

Our Philosophy

At The Governor Olive Oil, we believe olive oil should be:

• Honest
• Traceable
• Fresh
• Functionally potent

Everything we produce reflects that standard.