Polyphenol Accuracy & Testing Integrity
Why Our Results Reflect the Gold Standard in EVOO Testing
Polyphenol Accuracy & Testing
Polyphenol numbers only have meaning when you understand how and when the oil was tested.
There are two common methods used to measure polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil: Mill-stage testing, performed immediately after extraction Post-racking laboratory testing, performed after the oil has naturally settled and stabilized.
Mill-stage testing often produces higher numbers because it captures a temporary peak. However, this does not reflect how the oil is stored, bottled, or ultimately consumed.
Our olive oil is tested after racking using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), the internationally recognized gold standard for polyphenol analysis. This method provides the most accurate and reliable measurement of true, lasting polyphenol content.
Because polyphenols naturally decline as oil stabilizes, post-racking results are expected to be lower than mill-stage results. This is normal and reflects real-world conditions.
Why Our Numbers Matters
Testing after racking prioritizes:
- Accuracy over inflated figures
- Stability over momentary highs
- Transparency over marketing optics
Our results reflect the oil as it exists beyond production, not a snapshot taken to maximize a number.
For this reason, post-racking HPLC testing is widely regarded as the gold standard in EVOO evaluation.
IGP Certified
Our olive oil is proudly IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) certified.
This certification ensures that our olive oil is produced in a specific geographical area (Partanna, Sicily) using traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. It also guarantees that our oil meets strict quality standards and is free from any additives or artificial flavors.
Our IGP certification offers a guarantee of excellence that you can trust. It is a symbol of our commitment to producing the finest quality olive oil, using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
Our Certifications
2024
2023
2022
Polyphenol Scam
There has been increasing concern about misleading “polyphenol scam” claims in the olive oil market, where exaggerated or unverified polyphenol levels are used as a marketing tactic rather than being backed by transparent testing. This can confuse consumers looking for genuine health benefits and real quality. To avoid falling for such practices, it is important to choose properly certified oils. IGP-certified extra virgin olive oil, such as Zagarello Olive Oil, offers traceable origin, verified standards, and trustworthy production integrity from Sicily.