The Production of Olive Oil: Step-by-Step Process of Liquid Gold

The Production of Olive Oil: Step-by-Step Process of Liquid Gold

Olive oil is one of the most cherished products in the Mediterranean diet, known for its numerous health benefits and unparalleled flavor. This article will guide you through the production process of olive oil, from the harvesting of olives to the final packaging. Discover how olives are transformed into the precious liquid gold that we use in our daily cooking.

The Production of Olive Oil: Step-by-Step Process of Liquid Gold

Olive oil is one of the most cherished products in the Mediterranean diet, known for its numerous health benefits and unparalleled flavor. This article will guide you through the production process of olive oil, from the harvesting of olives to the final packaging. Discover how olives are transformed into the precious liquid gold we use in our daily cooking.

Harvesting and Transporting the Olives

The harvesting of olives is the first and crucial stage in olive oil production. This phase is carried out when the olives reach their optimal point of ripeness. There are two main methods for harvesting:

• Manual Harvesting: This traditional method allows for careful selection of the olives, ensuring the quality of the final product.
• Mechanical Harvesting: Using tools like shakers, vibrators, harvesting nets, combs, and super-intensive harvesters, this method is more efficient and faster than manual harvesting.

Once harvested, the olives are transported to the mill (the olive oil factory) within a maximum of 24 hours to preserve their properties. During transportation, healthy olives are separated from unhealthy ones, ensuring that only the best olives reach the next step in the process.

Washing, Cleaning, and Leaf Separation

At the mill, the olives are placed in the hopper, starting a careful cleaning process:

• Separation of Debris: Air currents are used to remove leaves and other unwanted materials.
• Water Washing: The olives are washed to remove any remaining dirt, stones, or sand, ensuring optimal cleanliness and making sure that only clean fruit moves on to the next stages.

Olive Crushing

Crushing is a critical step where the olives, including their pits, are broken down to release the oil contained within:

• Crushing Process: Specialized machinery crushes the olives, controlling the temperature to avoid the formation of emulsions that could hinder oil separation.
• Use of Metal Mills: These mills allow precise control over the granularity and other variables, ensuring a homogeneous and optimal paste for the malaxation process.

Malaxation of the Paste

After crushing, the obtained paste undergoes a malaxation process that facilitates the release of the oil:

• Malaxation of the Paste: During this process, oil particles group together to form droplets, making it easier to separate the solid and liquid components.
• Temperature Control: The temperature is kept high to preserve the organoleptic properties of the oil and prevent oxidation.

Centrifugation: Oil Extraction

Centrifugation is the most important step in the creation of olive oil, ensuring effective separation of the oil from the other components:

• Centrifugation Process: The malaxed paste is introduced into a centrifuge that separates the oil, water, and pomace.
• Types of Centrifuges: There are horizontal centrifuges, common in mills, and vertical centrifuges, which remove impurities and moisture to obtain a purer oil.

Storage, Preservation, and Packaging of the Oil

Once separated, the olive oil undergoes the final stages of storage and packaging:

• Storage: The oil is stored in stainless steel tanks at a constant temperature between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. This ensures the quality and freshness of the product by preventing oxidation.
• Oil Maturation: During this period, olive oil develops a range of milder flavors and aromas, eliminating the initial bitter tones.
• Packaging: For packaging, materials such as glass, tin, Bag-in-Box, or PET are used, which protect the oil from light, preserving its properties and benefits.

In Summary

The production of extra virgin olive oil is a meticulous process that requires attention to every detail to ensure a high-quality product. From harvesting the olives to packaging, each step is essential to transform the olive into the precious liquid gold that we all appreciate. Understanding this process not only helps us to value the product more but also highlights the art and science behind its production.