Honey Blog

From olive tree to bottle: what happens between the harvest and your kitchen fully determines the quality of your olive oil. We’ll take you through the entire production process of authentic extra virgin olive oil and explain why every step matters.

Do you know where your olive oil really comes from? Most bottles in the supermarket are blends or refined—and that’s rarely stated prominently on the label. Discover how to recognize real extra virgin olive oil, where to buy it in Belgium, and what to look out for.

What does extra virgin olive oil really do to your body? From healthy fats to antioxidants—we explain it honestly. Including why the quality of your olive oil matters much more than you think.

Olive oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the flesh and pits of olives. This oil has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans in cooking, skincare, and even for religious and medicinal purposes. In modern kitchens, olive oil is indispensable. Not only because of its flavor, but also because of its proven health benefits. These include a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, better cholesterol levels, and a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in the body. The benefits of olive oil: Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (such as omega-9) Contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) Improves the absorption of vitamins (A, D, E, and K) Easy to digest, including for children Olive oil is therefore not just any oil. It is food with a purpose. What exactly is extra virgin olive oil? Extra virgin means: the first cold pressing of the olives, without the addition of heat or chemicals. The olives are pressed immediately after harvesting, preserving all the flavor, aroma, and nutrients as effectively as possible. To be called extra virgin, olive oil must meet the following criteria: An acidity level of no more than 0.8% A perfect flavor: no defects, fruity, sometimes slightly bitter or peppery Mechanical extraction without any chemical treatment In short: it is the purest, most nutritious form of olive oil. Why should you always choose extra virgin? Not all olive oil is extra virgin. In the supermarket, you often simply see "olive oil" on the label. What does that usually mean? That you get a blend of refined oil (processed with heat or chemicals) with a small amount of extra virgin oil added to improve the flavor. That kind of oil is cheaper, but: Contains far fewer antioxidants Has lower nutritional value Tastes flat and industrial May contain traces of solvents Extra virgin olive oil: ✔ More flavor✔ More nutrients✔ More health benefits✔ 100% natural For your body and your taste buds, extra virgin is simply the better choice. Why organic? Organic olive oil involves no chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The trees are fertilized naturally, and diseases are managed with natural methods such as compost, plant extracts, or beneficial insects. That makes organic olive oil not only healthier for you, but also better for the environment and the workers who produce it. Organic means: No pesticides in your oil Better for soil and bees Less residue in your food Strictly controlled supply chain Especially if you use olive oil raw, drizzled over salads, vegetables, or bread, you want to be sure you’re not consuming any junk. In that case, organic isn’t a luxury—it simply makes sense. Why 100% European origin? Much of the olive oil in supermarkets carries the label:"Origin: blend of olive oils from EU and non-EU origins" What that actually means: a blend of olives or oil from Europe, Africa, Asia, and sometimes even industrial bulk oil from South America. No transparency, no quality control, no idea what you’re consuming. At HANT, we use exclusively 100% European, Mediterranean organic olives. Our olive oil is produced in Italy in accordance with strict EU organic regulations and with respect for traditional methods passed down through generations. Why avoid blended oil? No loss of quality through blending Better taste and aroma Control over origin and production Fair trade, short supply chain That way, you know exactly what you’re eating—and who you’re supporting. Why choose HANT olive oil? At HANT, we make no compromises on quality. Our olive oil is: Extra virgin 100% organically certified Made from European olives Not blended with cheaper bulk oil Mechanically pressed Pure with a full-bodied flavor Whether you want to feed your children healthy food, support your own body, or simply love truly delicious oil—this is the bottle you’re looking for. Order your bottle today Are you ready to make the switch to pure, organic olive oil without the junk? 👉 Click here to order your bottle from HANT