Short answer: healthy olive oil is extra virgin olive oil with a high content of natural antioxidants, including polyphenols and oleocanthal. The 1st Harvest Day by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada by Señoríos de Relleu is among the most exclusive Spanish extra virgin olive oils due to its early harvest, high polyphenol content, exceptionally low acidity, and international awards.
More and more people are looking for healthy olive oil, not only for its taste but also for the natural antioxidants present in high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
One of the best examples of this is the exclusive 1st Harvest Day by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada by Señoríos de Relleu. When I first encountered Señoríos de Relleu's olive oils several years ago, this oil immediately stood out, not just for its striking Agatha Ruiz de la Prada bottle, but especially for the quality of the oil itself.
The 1st Harvest Day is made from olives picked on the very first harvest day and demonstrates how much flavor and character an early harvest olive oil can have. This special Spanish olive oil is produced on the very first harvest day of the season and is among the most exclusive olive oils from Alicante, which I previously wrote about in the article Exclusive Premium Olive Oil: an artistic gift from Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and Señoríos de Relleu
What makes olive oil healthy?
The health value of extra virgin olive oil is primarily determined by its polyphenol content. These are natural antioxidants that occur naturally in fresh olives.
Among other things, polyphenols contribute to:
- Protection against oxidative stress
- A healthy Mediterranean lifestyle
- The characteristic bitter and peppery taste of quality olive oil
- The stability and freshness of the oil
Do you want to know more about polyphenols? Read our comprehensive guide on polyphenols in olive oil.
Why early harvest olive oil is healthier
The healthiest olive oils are often made from olives harvested early in the season. When olives are still green, they contain more polyphenols than fully ripe olives.
The 1st Harvest Day by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada by Señoríos de Relleu is made exclusively from olives picked during the first harvest day of the season.
This ensures:
- A high content of natural antioxidants
- An intensely green fruitiness
- Low acidity
- More flavor and aroma
- A beautiful balance between bitterness and spiciness
TOP 10 healthiest olive oils in the world
According to Señoríos de Relleu, the 1st Harvest Day by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada achieved a place in the TOP 10 healthiest extra virgin olive oils in the world during the World Best Healthy EVOO Contest.
In addition, this special olive oil achieved:
- A 7th place worldwide in the general classification
- A 2nd place worldwide in the field of biophenols
- A position within the international top in the field of oleocanthal
When I received this news from Señoríos de Relleu, frankly, it didn't surprise me. During tastings, this oil almost always stands out for its intense green character, beautiful balance, and long peppery finish. That this particular oil scores high in terms of polyphenols and oleocanthal perfectly aligns with my own experience.
What is oleocanthal?
Oleocanthal is a natural substance found in high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It is responsible for the well-known peppery sensation at the back of the throat when you taste a fresh premium olive oil.
The stronger this tingling sensation, the greater the presence of oleocanthal and other valuable phenolic compounds.
Many connoisseurs consider this an important quality characteristic of fresh extra virgin olive oil.
A unique collaboration with Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
Besides the quality of the oil, the packaging also immediately catches the eye.
The renowned Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada specially designed a striking aluminum bottle for Señoríos de Relleu in her characteristic colorful style.
This makes this olive oil not only a culinary experience but also a special gift for lovers of Spain, gastronomy, and design.
Flavor profile of this healthy olive oil
The 1st Harvest Day by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada has a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of:
- Green tomato
- Fresh grass
- Artichoke
- Olive leaf
- Almond
- Slight bitterness
- Elegant peppery finish
This makes this oil excellent for:
- Salads
- Carpaccio
- Burrata
- Grilled vegetables
- Fish dishes
- Fresh bread
Why choose Señoríos de Relleu?
For Casa Gomez, I only select olive oils that I fully endorse. Señoríos de Relleu is a good example of this. What appeals to me is that they not only focus on awards and distinctions but especially on quality in the bottle. The combination of the unique landscape around Relleu, the careful harvest, and the passion of the family behind the company can be tasted in their olive oils. The olive groves are located in the province of Alicante between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
The unique microclimate provides ideal conditions for the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
The combination of traditional olive cultivation, sustainable agriculture, and modern production techniques results in olive oils that are appreciated worldwide.
How to recognize healthy olive oil?
When you want to buy healthy olive oil, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Extra virgin quality
- Early harvest
- Recent harvest date
- Low acidity
- Bitter and slightly peppery taste
- Protection from light by tin or dark bottle
Do you want to learn how to compare different olive oils? Also check out our page on comparing olive oil.
Looking to buy healthy olive oil?
Are you looking for a healthy olive oil with many polyphenols, a distinct taste, and a special story? Then the 1st Harvest Day by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada by Señoríos de Relleu is an excellent choice.
At Casa Gomez, we exclusively select Spanish extra virgin olive oils that we fully endorse. Therefore, this limited edition still belongs to my personal favorites within the Casa Gomez assortment.
View the 1st Harvest Day by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada in our webshop →
