The region of Wairarapa in the North Island of New Zealand might be best known for the quality wines that are produced there, but the conditions that are so highly conducive to successfully wineries – plenty of sunshine and rain, clean air and fertile soils, also lend themselves to olive growing and the production of seriously good olive oils.

Greytown, one of the most beautiful towns in the whole of the country is home to Juno Olives, bespoke producers of single variety extra virgin olive oils and a delightful range of infused and agrumato oils suitable for the most discerning of palates. Working with six renowned varieties of olives from Italy, Greece, France and Spain, Andy and Helen at Juno Olives create premium quality New Zealand extra virgin olive oil available in handy sized 100ml bottles with 250, 500, 1000 and 2000ml options also available.

Extra virgin olive oil must meet strict criteria to be certified as such – only mechanical processes to extract the oil are permitted – no additional heat or chemicals are allowed, and of course the quality of the taste and aroma of the oil must be of sufficient quality to receive certification, which year on year Juno Olives achieve with distinction. Furthermore, one of the constituents found in extra virgin olive oil are polyphenols, which offers considerable health benefits, and the concentration of which determines the intensity of the oil and the Picholine oil produced by Juno Olives is particularly rich in polyphenol, resulting in some of the most intense flavoured New Zealand made olive oil on the market.

Whilst there is always a space in every kitchen for extra virgin olive oil, flavoured olive oil in New Zealand is rapidly gaining popularity and at Juno Olives an exquisite selection of agrumato and infused oils sit proudly alongside the single variety oils. The difference between agrumato and infused oils lies within the production process; additional ingredients that add flavour are added to the olives at the time they are pressed to make agrumato oil, whereas infused oils receive the herbs, fruits or other ingredients after the oil has been collected.

Amongst the most popular agrumato oils produced by Juno Olives is their basil olive oil, but rosemary, lime, lemon and red chilli versions are also on offer and the infused range includes lemon grass, garlic, mandarin and lemon – whatever your particular taste, fruity, spicy, mild or intense - one or more of these boutique oils will be sure to hit the spot for you.

The level of olive oil production across the world can at times be erratic as it is so dependant on the weather and the prevalence of disease affecting the olive crops, but when you purchase New Zealand olive oil produced by Juno Olives you are assured of an exceptionally high-quality product. Their small batch creations of flavoured oils can often experience demand exceeding supply, so should you desire exceptional award winning extra virgin olive oil or one of the wonderful agrumato or infused oils, make the time to visit Juno Olives, you will not be disappointed!