Welcome to the fascinating world of olive oil production! Have you ever wondered how that golden elixir, so rich in flavor and aroma, is made?
Let's explore the art of olive oil making and uncover the step-by-step process that transforms humble olives into extraordinary oil.
Olive oil has been cherished for centuries, and its production involves a meticulous process that requires skill, patience, and a deep respect for nature's bounties.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the essential steps involved in creating this liquid gold.
From the moment the olives are carefully harvested to the moment the oil is bottled, each stage contributes to the exceptional quality and taste that make olive oil so beloved.
Now, let's dive in. These are the steps involved in olive oil production:
Step 1: Harvesting
The first step in making olive oil is carefully picking the olives from the trees. This is usually done when the olives are fully ripe and have turned a beautiful shade of purple or black.
Some farmers use special tools to gently shake the branches, causing the olives to fall into nets spread beneath the trees. Others prefer to pick them by hand. We use a combination of. It's important to handle the olives with care to ensure they don't get bruised or damaged.
Step 2: Sorting and Cleaning
Once the olives are collected, they go through a process of sorting and cleaning. This involves separating any leaves, twigs, or damaged olives from the good ones.
The goal is to have only the best-quality olives move on to the next stage. It's like choosing the juiciest and most perfect fruits from a basket.
Step 3: Crushing and Grinding
Now comes the fun part!
The olives are crushed and ground to make a paste. Think of it like turning the olives into a thick, mushy substance, kind of like a fruit smoothie. In the old days, huge stone mills were used to crush the olives, but nowadays, modern machines do the job.
The grinding process breaks down the olives and releases the precious oil.
Step 4: Malaxation
After crushing the olives, it's time for malaxation. This is when the olive paste is gently mixed or stirred.
The goal is to allow the oil droplets to come together and separate from the solid parts of the paste. It's like giving the olive mush a little swirl to encourage the oil to rise to the top.
Step 5: Separation
Once the oil has separated from the other components of the paste, it's time to separate them.
This is typically done using a method called centrifugation, where the mixture is spun around at high speed.
The spinning causes the heavier parts (like water and solids) to be separated from the oil, which is lighter and floats to the top. It's like using a magic spin to make the oil magically rise up and say, "Here I am!"
Step 6: Filtration and Storage
The last step is to filter the oil to remove any remaining impurities, ensuring that it's pure and ready to be enjoyed. This is a new technique pioneered by our milling team.
This is an extra step and costs extra time and money but we are firm believers that removing all the sediment, water and fruit particles from the oil helps protect the oil from quickly degrading.
The way it works is like passing the oil through a special strainer to catch any last bits that might be lingering.
Once filtered, the oil is stored in dark bottles or cans to protect it from light and maintain its freshness. Just like we keep our favorite treats in a safe and cozy place.
In summary:
And there you have it—the artful process behind creating the remarkable olive oil we all love.
From the careful selection of olives to the skilled craftsmanship involved in every step, it's truly a labor of love that culminates in a product of exceptional quality.
By following these six steps, the delicious olive oil that we all love is created.
Remember, the next time you savor a drizzle of olive oil on your salad or in your favorite dish, you can appreciate the remarkable process behind its creation.
If you'd like to explore the world of exceptional olive oils, we invite you to explore our collection of award-winning oils, crafted with the utmost care and passion.
Experience the flavors, aromas, and health benefits that have made olive oil a beloved staple in kitchens around the world.
