As October begins, the olive groves of the Mediterranean are entering the harvest season.
Through our suppliers, amaR receives a monthly newsletter from a coordinator living in Spain. On the last page of the latest issue, there was a brief update on the state of the autumn fields: the grape harvest is still ongoing; there has been no damage from major thunderstorms; and the outlook for this year’s olive crop is promising.
When the olive harvest begins, the first oil pressed of the year emerges. This is the “Early Harvest.”
We have compiled information on what kind of oil it is, how to reserve this year’s batch through amaR, and how to enjoy it once it arrives.
Olive harvesting takes place from autumn through winter
Olives bloom with small white flowers at the end of spring and grow plump throughout the summer.
The harvest takes place from autumn through winter.
The fruit used for pressing oil is picked while monitoring its ripeness.
According to the newsletter, the main concern in the fields at this time of year is rain.
It is said that the rain that falls from here on out will have the final impact on how the fruit develops.
Until just before the harvest, the quality of that year’s crop is never certain. It was a reminder that olive oil is, after all, an agricultural product.
The same letter contained another story typical of autumn.
Before the fruit for oil is harvested, the harvest of table olives—olives meant for eating—begins.
In various regions, preparations for homemade pickled olives are currently underway.
It is a traditional preserved food, similar to Japanese pickles, made by soaking and fermenting the fruit to concentrate its flavor.
Olives waiting to be harvested (image)
Early Harvest is oil pressed from fruit picked early in the season
In English, “Early Harvest” means exactly that.
In Japanese, it is sometimes referred to as “hayazumi” (early picking).
As olives ripen, their color changes from green to purple and then to black.
Early Harvest uses young fruit that still retains its green color.
Compared to oil pressed from ripe fruit, it tends to have a more pronounced aroma reminiscent of green grass and herbs, and a distinct bitterness and spiciness.
Young fruit contains less oil than ripe fruit. It takes more fruit to press the same amount of oil.
Early harvest means picking and pressing the olives while they are still green.
Another term you should know is “non-filtered.”
This refers to oil that has not been filtered after pressing, meaning it still contains the fresh moisture and fine fruit pulp.
While its vibrant aroma is its greatest appeal, it is not suitable for long-term storage. The best way to enjoy this oil is to consume it soon after opening.
Now accepting reservations for “Early Harvest 2026” at amaR
amaR is once again accepting reservations for our early harvest oil this year.
It is produced by CARM, a producer in the Douro region of northern Portugal.
The Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and CARM continues to uphold traditional cultivation methods there.
This year’s oil is a special selection from CARM.
It is a non-filtered oil pressed on the very first day of the harvest.
The keyword associated with it was “just like olive juice.” It will be shipped by air from Portugal.
Details for this year’s early harvest:
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Product Name: Quinta do Côa Early Harvest 2026 (250ml)
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Price: 3,996 yen (tax included). We were able to offer it at the same price as last year.
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Varieties: A blend of Portuguese varieties such as Cobrançosa and Verdeal
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Best Before Date: December 2027
Delivery is scheduled for around mid-December. Please note that this may shift depending on harvest and transport conditions.
This Year’s Early Harvest
How to Reserve
Reservations are accepted until the end of October. You can reserve via Instagram DM or our official e-commerce site.
You can choose to have your order shipped or pick it up at a market.
For those choosing shipping, we will provide a link to the online shop purchase page once the items arrive. For those picking up at a market, please pay at the time of pickup. We will prepare the number of bottles you reserved once they arrive.
The process from reservation to delivery
Once it arrives, enjoy it without heating
We recommend enjoying Early Harvest without heating it. The flyer also suggests drizzling it generously over bread, vegetables, and fruit.
For example, you can use it in these ways:
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Drizzle over toasted bread and add a pinch of salt
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Drizzle over steamed potatoes or turnips as a finishing touch
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Add a little to winter fruits like apples or persimmons
Start with a small amount to check the intensity of the aroma. If you feel you want a bit more, you can add it then. Since this is an oil with a distinct green aroma, adjusting the amount ensures it won’t overpower the flavor of your dish.
If it arrives in mid-December as scheduled, it will be in time for your year-end and New Year’s meals. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity. As this oil contains moisture from being freshly pressed, please use it up while the aroma is fresh after opening.
Reserving and waiting for the once-a-year new harvest
Reserve in autumn, receive in early winter. The time spent waiting for the year’s earliest oil is also part of the joy of olive oil.
Reservations are accepted until the end of October via Instagram DM or our official LINE account.
Reserve via Instagram DM (@amar_6.9.6)
Official EC site
While you wait for it to arrive, please enjoy our regular “Quinta do Côa Calm.” With a fruity aroma reminiscent of green apples and vegetables, it is a mild oil that is easy to use in everyday cooking.
Quinta do Côa Calm Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml | 3,024 yen (tax included)
Prices and reservation details are current as of October 13, 2026.