At Mount Zero, we believe that the best things in life are seasonal, local, and treated with respect. As we look toward the 2026 harvest, there is one particular release that creates a buzz in our Melbourne warehouse and among Australia's top chefs: our Early Harvest Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
If you’ve followed our journey from the base of the Gariwerd (Grampians) to the kitchens of MoVida and beyond, you know we don’t settle for "standard." Here’s why the 2026 Early Harvest is shaping up to be our most extraordinary press yet
The Magic of the April Harvest
Timing is everything in the grove. While the traditional olive harvest often stretches into the cooler winter months, the secret to our Early Harvest oil lies in the April window.By harvesting in April, we pick the olives while they are still green and bursting with life. They yield less oil than a ripened purple olive, but what they do give us is a concentrated "essence" of the fruit. This early window is a race against time—cold-pressing the fruit within hours of picking to lock in the vibrant, herbaceous notes that define Mount Zero.
Why Picual?
While we love our buttery Arbequina and robust Coratina, the Picual olive is the undisputed star of the early season.
Originating in Spain but flourishing in the Australian sun, Picual is naturally predisposed to be a high polyphenol variety. It is incredibly stable, meaning it retains its freshness and nutritional integrity longer than almost any other variety. In the bottle, it's the "elegant one"—characterized by an intense aroma of tomato vine, peppery herbs, and a beautifully balanced bitterness that lingers on the palate.
High Polyphenol, High Antioxidant: The Science of Wellness
For those who view olive oil as a wellness ritual rather than just a cooking ingredient, the 2026 Early Harvest is the pinnacle.
Early harvest oils are famous for being high antioxidant powerhouses. Because the fruit is picked green, it contains significantly higher levels of:
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Oleocanthal: The natural anti-inflammatory that gives premium EVOO its signature "peppery kick" at the back of the throat.
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Polyphenols: Micronutrients that help protect the body against oxidative stress.
When you taste that healthy sting, you’re tasting the very compounds that have led experts to call this the world’s best health-boosting fat.
How to Enjoy the 2026 Release
This isn't an oil for the back of the cupboard; it's an oil for the center of the table. To truly appreciate the world's best early-season press, we recommend enjoying it in its purest form:
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Drizzled with aplomb: Over warm crusty bread or seasonal roasted vegetables.
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The Finishing Touch: A final flourish over a fresh salad or a piece of grilled fish to release that incredible aroma.
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The Daily Spoonful: For those seeking the maximum high polyphenol benefit.
A Commitment to the Land
As with all Mount Zero produce, our 2026 Early Harvest Picual reflects our commitment to sustainable farming and nurturing long-term relationships with like-minded Victorian growers. It’s a celebration of what our region can produce when we listen to the seasons.
