Are the 18:1 oils produced by Alexis Muñoz organic?Yes. The 18:1 olive oils are extra virgin monovarietal olive oils produced from organically farmed olives. Each oil has its own organic certification, indicated on its product page. |
What is a monovarietal olive oil?A monovarietal olive oil is made from a single olive variety. This approach allows the specific character, aromas and characteristics of each variety to be fully expressed. The 18:1 range includes Picual, Arbequina and Cornicabra oils. |
What is the difference between Picual, Arbequina and Cornicabra?Each variety has its own aromatic profile. Picual, harvested early, offers a green fruit profile with fresh, herbaceous notes. Arbequina, harvested at maturity, is milder and more balanced, with notes of green apple and hazelnut. Cornicabra, harvested very ripe, develops rounder notes reminiscent of candied black olive. |
How do you choose the right olive oil?The choice mainly depends on your taste and intended use. A green-fruited oil such as Picual offers greater freshness and liveliness. A riper oil such as Arbequina provides a milder and fruitier profile, while Cornicabra offers rounder and more intense aromas. You can also discover several profiles through our tasting gift boxes. |
Why is olive maturity important?The maturity stage of the olive directly influences the aromatic profile of the oil. An early harvest generally produces greener, fresher and more pungent oils, while a later harvest produces rounder, milder and fruitier oils. Alexis Muñoz therefore works with each variety according to the desired level of maturity. |
What are the polyphenols found in olive oil?Polyphenols are compounds naturally present in olives and are particularly known for their antioxidant properties. Their concentration varies depending on the variety, the fruit’s stage of maturity and harvesting conditions. The earlier an olive is harvested, the less ripe it is and the higher its polyphenol content generally tends to be. As the fruit ripens, the concentration of certain phenolic compounds gradually decreases. 18:1 olive oils contain an average of 500 mg of polyphenols per kilogram of oil. |
When are the olives harvested?The harvesting period varies according to the variety and the desired level of maturity. Picual is harvested from the beginning of October, Arbequina in November, and Cornicabra later, towards the end of December. |
Why should olives be processed quickly after harvesting?Once harvested, olives naturally begin to evolve. Rapid processing helps limit oxidation and fermentation and better preserves the oil’s aromas, freshness and qualities. At Alexis Muñoz, the olives are harvested during the day and pressed at night. |
How should olive oil be stored?Keep the can away from light and heat. Close it properly after each use and avoid storing it near a heat source to best preserve the oil’s qualities. The 18:1 packaging is also designed to protect the oil from light. Once opened, it is recommended to consume the oil within a maximum of 6 months, ideally within 3 to 4 months, to fully enjoy its organoleptic qualities. |
Why are 18:1 oils packaged in a stainless steel can?18:1 oils are packaged in a stainless steel can, patented and registered at European level, manufactured in northern Italy. It features a bisphenol-free food-grade coating and contains no aluminium. This packaging is also designed to protect the oil from light and help preserve its qualities. |
What does “18:1” mean?The name 18:1 refers to oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid naturally present in olive oil. The “18” corresponds to the number of carbon atoms and the “1” to the number of double bonds. This chemical signature is the origin of the name of the 18:1 range. |
Who is Alexis Muñoz?Alexis Muñoz is an olive oil producer and oleologist. His work focuses on olives, their transformation and the expression of different varieties. Through the 18:1 oils, he offers an approach based on variety, fruit maturity and precise processing. |
What is an oleologist?An oleologist is a specialist in olive oil. Their expertise includes production, processing, sensory analysis and olive oil tasting. |
Where are 18:1 oils produced?18:1 oils are produced from olives grown in different production areas in Spain, particularly in Andalusia and the Montes de Toledo, depending on the variety. Each oil is processed separately to preserve its individual character. |
Can 18:1 oils be used for cooking?Yes. 18:1 oils can be used both for cooking and finishing. They are suitable for oven cooking as well as pan-frying, with a smoke point of approximately 190 °C, for vegetables, fish, meat and other preparations. They can also be used raw, as a finishing oil over a salad, cheese or simply a beautiful slice of bread, allowing you to fully enjoy their aromas. Discover our recipes and tips for using olive oil. |
Which olive oil should you choose for a salad?For a salad, the choice depends on the profile you are looking for. Picual brings freshness and green, vegetal notes, while Arbequina offers greater sweetness and roundness. Cornicabra can provide a more intense expression with notes of candied black olive. |
Can Alexis Muñoz 18:1 olive oils be given as a gift?Yes. 18:1 oils can be given individually or as gift boxes, making it possible to discover several varieties and aromatic profiles. The range also includes limited editions. |
Can you subscribe to 18:1 oils?Yes. The subscription allows you to receive 18:1 oils regularly with a 5% discount. The delivery frequency can be adjusted or cancelled according to your needs. |
Where can you buy Alexis Muñoz olive oils?18:1 olive oils are available directly from our online shop. You can also find Alexis Muñoz oils at selected retailers and partner stores. Visit our Where to find us page to discover the available points of sale. |
What is the NECTAR programme?The NECTAR programme is a regenerative olive growing and agroforestry project led by Alexis Muñoz. Its aim is to develop French olive growing based on biodiversity, soil preservation and the creation of sustainable agricultural ecosystems. |
How can you discover the different Alexis Muñoz oils?To discover the different profiles in the range, you can start with our discovery gift box, which brings together several varieties of 18:1 oils. You can also browse our online shop and the pages dedicated to each variety to choose the oil that best suits your taste and intended use. |