Is October the best time to harvest olives?

October is generally not considered the best time to harvest olives. The ideal time for olive harvest depends on the olive variety and the desired oil quality. Factors such as climate, region, and cultivar influence the optimal harvest period.

In most olive-growing regions, the harvest season typically begins in late autumn or early winter, around November to February. During this period, the olives reach their full maturity, and the oil content and quality are at their peak.

Harvesting olives too early, such as in October, may result in lower oil yields and an imbalance in flavor and bitterness. The olives may not have had enough time to fully develop their oil content and desirable flavor characteristics.

It's important for olive growers to monitor the maturity of their olives and choose the appropriate time for harvest to achieve the desired oil quality and quantity. This typically involves observing the color changes in the olives, assessing the oil content, and considering the specific characteristics of the olive variety and the local climate.