Product & Selection
The Olive Library is a curated collection of exceptional extra virgin olive oils—selected like wine, with a focus on origin, harvest freshness, flavour profile, and polyphenol-rich quality. We currently offer a curated selection of Italian olive oils, but may in the future carry oils from other parts of the world.
Most supermarket olive oil is blended for consistency, often older than it should be, and rarely offers real transparency. We prioritise oils with clear provenance, freshness (recent harvests), and sensory character (peppery, green, fruity, or delicate) so you can actually taste the difference.
Yes—our range is exclusively extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). That means it’s mechanically extracted (no solvents), and meets the standards for quality and flavour expected of EVOO.
Single-estate/origin means the oil comes from a specific producer and place—not a blend of anonymous oils from multiple countries. Like single-vineyard wine, it’s a more honest expression of land, variety, and harvest.
Monovarietal olive oil is made from a single olive variety (rather than a blend). Different varieties have distinct flavour signatures—some are grassy and bitter, others sweet and buttery, others intensely peppery.
A quick guide:
- Bold + peppery: great if you love a “throat catch” and punchy green flavour
- Green + herbaceous: for salads, tomatoes, grilled veg
- Round + buttery: for fish, potatoes, baking, and gentler palates
For more pairing information, visit our pairing guide here.
Yes—pairing is a core part of how we curate. You can shop by food category here and we’ll recommend 2–3 bottles that shine with that dish.
Polyphenols are natural antioxidants in high-quality EVOO that contribute to both flavour (bitterness/pepperiness) and potential health benefits. In general, fresher, greener, more peppery oils tend to be higher in polyphenols.
That peppery “catch” in the throat is often a sign of freshness and polyphenols (especially oleocanthal). It’s normal in high-quality oils—and many people come to love it once they know what it means.
Keep it away from heat, light, and air. Store tightly capped in a cool cupboard, away from the stove or windowsill. Avoid decanting into clear glass bottles—light speeds up oxidation.
Olive oil is best enjoyed fresh. Once opened, aim to use it within 4–8 weeks for peak flavour (a little longer is usually fine if it’s stored well). If it starts tasting flat, waxy, or “crayon-like,” it’s past its best.
You can absolutely cook with them—EVOO is versatile. We typically recommend:
- Finishing for your bold, aromatic oils (maximum flavour impact)
- Cooking for rounder, more mellow oils (still delicious, slightly more economical)
High heat will mute delicate aromas, so finishing is where the magic really shows.
Some bottles are certified organic, and some are not. We choose based on farming quality and transparency first—many excellent producers farm organically but don’t certify due to cost or bureaucracy. Each product page will clearly state certification where applicable.
Orders & Payments
We ship across the UK. Delivery times and costs vary by order size and location—your checkout will show the exact options available.
Payment is taken at the time we receive your order, once your card details have been checked and authorised.
Yes. Fraud checks may be conducted on orders using information provided at checkout.
In some cases, we may contact you for additional details, which could delay dispatch slightly. We always aim to resolve this as quickly as possible.
No.
At this time, The Olive Library sells and ships exclusively within the United Kingdom.
We do not currently offer international shipping or delivery outside the UK.
All transactions are processed in UK Pounds (£).
Yes.
All prices include VAT where applicable. As we currently sell and ship UK only, no additional customs duties apply.
Availability & Ordering
If something arrives damaged or there’s an issue with your order, we’ll make it right. And if you simply picked something that isn’t your taste, email us—tell us what you disliked (too peppery, too bitter, too mild) and we’ll help you choose a better match next time.
All items are subject to availability.
If we’re unable to supply an item you’ve ordered, we’ll contact you as soon as possible and issue a full refund for that item.
Yes — you can amend your order up until the point you click “submit” or “make payment” on the final checkout page.
You’ll receive an email acknowledging your order, but this is not a confirmation.
Your order is officially accepted once the goods are dispatched.
Delivery
Shipping costs are based on the total weight of your order and are calculated automatically at checkout.
Our current UK shipping rates are:
- 0 – 1.3 kg → £5.45
- 1.301 – 2.5 kg → £5.75
- 2.501 – 3.2 kg → £6.05
- 3.201 – 6.6 kg → £6.95
- 6.601 – 13.2 kg → £13.90
- 13.201 – 19.8 kg → £20.85
- 19.801 – 22.3 kg → £26.60
Free shipping is available on all UK orders over £140.
We aim to deliver within the estimated times shown at checkout.
Occasional delays may occur due to factors beyond our control, but we’ll always keep you informed.
Please inspect your delivery on arrival.
- Damaged packaging should be noted on the delivery receipt.
- Missing or damaged items should be reported as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of delivery.
Returns & Refunds
We offer a 7 Day No-Quibble Refund on unwanted or incorrectly ordered items.
You have 7 working days from receipt to decide whether to keep or return your order.
Returned items are subject to a recovery charge, typically 15% of the goods’ RRP, which reflects the direct cost of recovering the item.
Refunds will only be processed if:
- Items are returned in their original packaging
- Items are in resaleable condition
- A fully completed returns form is included and attached to the package
- If your order has not yet been delivered, changes or cancellations are free of charge.
- If goods have already been delivered, recovery and redelivery charges may apply.