Is it new-harvest oil?
è O-lyo no-VEL-lo
Asking whether olive oil is from the most recent harvest — the freshest and highest quality.
Olio novello (also called olio nuovo) is extra virgin olive oil from the current year's harvest, typically available October–January depending on the region. It is distinguished by its brilliant green colour, intense peppery finish, and higher polyphenol content than older oil. After six months, flavour begins to fade.
Di che annata è?
What harvest year is it?
Asking for the production year — freshness matters greatly
È della raccolta di quest'anno?
Is it from this year's harvest?
Direct question about this year's crop
Ha ancora il gusto piccante?
Does it still have the peppery taste?
Polyphenols give the characteristic peppery finish that diminishes with age
The burning sensation in the throat when tasting fresh extra virgin olive oil is caused by oleocanthal, a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen. The intensity of this sensation, measured in 'coughs', is used by professional tasters as a quality indicator.