Not all olive oil advice is created equal.

Here are the most common myths we hear about extra virgin olive oil — especially High Phenolic (HP) EVOO — and the facts that guide how we craft Aristoleo+.

Myth #1 — “Keep olive oil in a cool, dark cupboard.”

Fact: The most protective storage for phenolics is a stable, cool temperature — 12–15°C or 54–59°F — and minimal light/oxygen exposure.

Why it matters: Phenolic compounds are sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. Cupboards in kitchens often fluctuate with cooking heat.

Aristoleo+ Proof: Temperature-controlled storage (54–59°F), small-batch bottling, and biophotonic violet glass help protect phenolic potency. Small 50 ml A+ Microdosing bottles are on-the-go and used quickly — ensuring optimum potency.

Myth #2 — “Cooking destroys the benefits.”

Fact: HP EVOO is stable for everyday cooking. Antioxidant phenolics help protect the oil during heat, and phenols can transfer into food (pasta, grains, veggies).

Why it matters: You don’t have to reserve your best EVOO only for salads — cooking can deliver benefits too.

Aristoleo+ Proof: Certified high-phenolic EVOO (verified by NMR/LC-MS-MS) designed for microdosing or cooking and finishing. We recommend using HP EVOOs of 500 mg/kg phenolic content (or more) for cooking. Even with a loss of 40% you will still have the benefit of the EU Health Claim potency.

Myth #3 — “More volume = more benefit.”

Fact: It’s about phenolic concentration, not volume. Small amounts of high-phenolic EVOO can outperform larger amounts of lower phenolic concentrated olive oil — even with the same amount of phenols. 

Why it matters: Consistent, modest intake — “little + often” through the day — is effective and practical. HP EVOO enters the blood in 20 minutes, and is dissipated within 5 hours.

Aristoleo+ Proof: Microdosing protocol (5 sprays = 1 ml) for precise, repeatable daily intake to maintain beneficial phenolic levels in the blood.

Myth #4 — “Bitterness means the oil is bad.”

Fact: Bitterness and peppery “throat-catch” are signatures of certain phenolics (e.g., oleocanthal/oleacein). They’re quality cues in high-phenolic EVOO.

Why it matters: Flavor intensity often signals functional potency. When cooking with EVOO you may have preferences for taste, but we're taking about health benefits here. Oleocanthal can make you cough and oleacein is bitter to the tongue. Lab analysis by NMR or LC/MS-MS will confirm this.

Aristoleo+ Proof: We prioritize phenolic profile and verify with advanced testing, not just taste.

Myth #5 — “Clear/glass bottles are fine if it’s dark.”

Fact: Light degrades phenolics over time. Darker, protective glass helps — biophotonic violet  glass offers optimum light filtering, protects against temperature fluctuations and allows UV rays that preserve freshness.

Why it matters: Protection from light supports phenolic stability from bottling to your kitchen.

Aristoleo+ Proof: Small-batch bottled exclusively in biophotonic violet glass with airtight closures to protect precious phenols from oxygen and to ensure accurate doses. 

Myth #6 — “EVOO’s smoke point is too low to cook with.”

Fact: Quality EVOO has a practical cooking range for sautéing/roasting. Antioxidants help resist oxidation compared to many refined seed oils used at the same temperatures.

Why it matters: You can cook normally without defaulting to refined oils. We recommend choosing a HP EVOO with phenolic content 500 mg/kg or higher so that even if you lose 40% in cooking, you will retain the EU Health Claim level. 

Aristoleo+ Proof: We recommend everyday cooking plus finishing for maximum flavor and phenolic benefit.

Myth #7 — “All EVOO has the same phenolics.”

Fact: Phenolic levels vary widely by cultivar, harvest timing, processing, and storage.

Why it matters: If you want the functional benefits, you need verified high-phenolic levels.

Aristoleo+ Proof: Each batch is tested (NMR/LC-MS-MS) and held to our high-phenolic criteria. Carefully produced extra virgin olive oil, if stored properly, will have some phenolic content. For health benefits, look for olive oils that are independently lab tested for phenolic profile to be certain. NMR or LC-MS/MS are most accurate. 

Myth #8 — “Harvest date isn’t important.”

Fact: Earlier harvests tend to be richer in phenolics (with a greener, more robust profile). Freshness and handling post-harvest matter too.

Why it matters: The date and handling tell you a lot about potential phenolic content and flavor. The level of phenolic compounds at harvest time, if not stored properly through bottling, shipping and retail handling may deteriorate quickly. 

Aristoleo+ Proof: We emphasize early-season selections and protective storage from mill to bottle. This will ensure that phenolic content is as potent as possible well into the next season. 

Myth #9 — “Bigger bottles mean better value.”

Fact: For HP EVOO, exposure (light/heat/oxygen) matters more than bulk price per ml. Smaller formats can better preserve potency and reduce waste.

Why it matters: Value = potency preserved + precision dose, not just volume.

Aristoleo+ Proof: MicroDosing 50 ml and small-batch PowerShot formats support freshness and dosing accuracy. If purchased in volume, decant right away into smaller containers, keep one bottle out for use and store the rest in wine cooler or refrigerator.

Myth #10 — “Refrigeration ruins olive oil.”

Fact: Chilling can cause temporary clouding/solidification — that’s normal and reversible. The key risk is condensation when repeatedly moving in/out of the fridge; moisture can degrade quality.

Why it matters: If you chill, let the bottle return to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.

Aristoleo+ Proof: We store at 54–59°F and recommend airtight decanting if you keep a small amount at room temperature. Keep it out of sunlight and away from the stove. Replace the cap ASAP!

The Aristoleo+ Difference

• Certified HP EVOO verified by NMR/LC-MS-MS
• Temperature-controlled storage (54–59°F) to protect potency
• Small-batch bottling in violet biophotonic violet glass with airtight closures
• EU 432/2012 compliant (oxidative stress on blood lipids)
• MicroDosing protocol: 5 sprays = 1 ml for precise daily intake