Thank you for your review and feedback. We completely understand why you might associate a very high polyphenol level with an extremely strong peppery sensation. However, total polyphenol content and pepperiness are not the same thing.

Our Arbequina has been independently third-party laboratory tested at 1,504.42 mg/kg total polyphenols, making it one of the highest-polyphenol EVOOs available in the UK. The peppery sensation experienced at the back of the throat is particularly associated with compounds such as oleocanthal, whereas the total polyphenol figure represents a much broader range of phenolic compounds.

A good example is our own Arbosana. It has less than half the total polyphenol content of our Arbequina, yet it has a far more unmistakable peppery, pungent kick. This illustrates perfectly why perceived pepperiness alone isn't a reliable way of determining an oil's total polyphenol content. Cultivar characteristics, the balance of individual phenolic compounds and the way the olives are milled all influence the final sensory profile.

What you may have experienced previously is an oil produced to have a much more robust, bitter or pungent sensory profile, or perhaps an unfiltered oil. Our Arbequina is deliberately produced with a more delicate and balanced flavour profile, despite its exceptionally high measured polyphenol content.

We don't believe an exceptionally high-polyphenol EVOO needs to be overwhelmingly bitter or peppery to demonstrate its quality. Our objective is to achieve both exceptionally high independently verified polyphenols and a beautifully balanced oil that is enjoyable to consume every day.

We hope this helps explain the difference, and we very much appreciate you giving ONSURI a try.