57 saved#3,212 of 6,224

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Celebrate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day with the best-tasting olive oil! Add flavor to your favorite dishes and enjoy health benefits like never before.

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATESeptember 30

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSide Dishes

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day on Sept. 30 and enjoy all the delicious benefits of one of nature's most amazing creations! Extra virgin olive oil has been around for thousands of years, with its earliest use dating back to ancient Greece. Today, extra virgin olive oil is used in countless dishes around the world and is known for its many health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving brain health, lowering cholesterol levels and more.

TIMELINE

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day Timeline

Olive Cultivation Begins

Archaeological evidence shows that olives were being cultivated in the Eastern Mediterranean region around this time.

Evidence of Olive Oil Use

Residue of olive oil was found in pottery in Crete, pointing to its use in Minoan society.

Olive Oil in Ancient Greece

Homer refers to olive oil as ‘liquid gold,’ signaling its importance in Greek society.

Olive Trees In the Americas

Spanish colonizers brought olive trees to the Americas where cultivation began.

Health Connection Recognized

Studies in the 1970s begin to analyze olive oil’s connection to a lower risk of heart disease, spurring an increase in consumption.

National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

The unofficial holiday of National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day is established to celebrate this versatile oil's health benefits and culinary versatility.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Cook with olive oil

Create a delicious dish with extra virgin olive oil as the main ingredient. Whether it’s adding a few drops to your salad, sautéing vegetables or baking something sweet, there are endless possibilities.

TRY

Try different oils

Visit your local store or farmer’s market and sample different types of olive oils. Consider buying a few bottles of different varieties to compare their aromas and tastes.

MAKE

Make an olive oil cake

Celebrate the day by baking an olive oil cake! There are plenty of recipes out there – just pick one that looks good and get baking.

Share the health benefits

Extra virgin olive oil is full of healthy monounsaturated fats, so why not share that knowledge? Post some facts about olive oil on social media to spread the word.

USE

Use it in a DIY beauty treatment

Olive oil is great for your skin and hair, so why not whip up a DIY beauty treatment using olive oil? Try adding some drops to your shampoo or conditioner for soft, hydrated locks.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Extra virgin olive oil supports local farmers & ranchers

Purchasing locally grown and produced extra virgin olive oil means supporting small businesses and boosting the nearby economy. Not only will you be getting top quality ingredients, but you'll also be helping those who dedicate their time to sustainably cultivating these precious resources.

Extra virgin olive oil is nutrient rich

Extra virgin olive oil is packed with important nutrients and vitamins that are essential for a healthy diet. It contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and boost the immune system. It also provides monounsaturated fats that can help reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

Extra virgin olive oil has a delicious flavor

With its robust flavor, extra virgin olive oil adds amazing depth and richness to salads, pastas, roasted vegetables and more. Its smooth velvety texture makes it perfect for dressings or dips and offers an unbeatable taste that can take your meals to the next level!

Related holidays

TUE

Jun 2026

Food

National Olive Day

Get ready to pucker up and savor the deliciousness of National Olive Day - indulge in these little green gems all day long!

National Apple Cider Vinegar Day

Celebrate National Apple Cider Vinegar Day with a delicious, health-boosting drink! Add it to your smoothies or make an ACV tonic for maximum benefits!

57Read

SAT

Jul 2026