The production process of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) involves several key stages that ensure the production of a high-quality oil. Below is a general description of the EVOO production process:
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Cultivation and Harvesting of Olives: The process begins with the cultivation of olive trees, where they receive proper care, including pruning, irrigation, and protection against pests and diseases. Olives are harvested at their optimal ripeness, usually when there is a balance between oil content and flavor.
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Reception and Selection of Olives: Once harvested, olives are transported to the oil mill. At this stage, an initial selection is carried out to remove damaged or low-quality olives, ensuring the quality of the final product.
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Cleaning and Washing: The olives undergo a cleaning and washing process to remove impurities, leaves, and soil residues. This is done using a series of machines and equipment specifically designed for this task.
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Grinding: Clean olives are crushed to break the cells and release the oil contained within. In the past, stone mills were used for this task, but today most mills use modern machinery, including hammer or disc mills.
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Malaxation (Mixing): The olive paste resulting from grinding is subjected to a mixing or malaxation process. This facilitates the separation of the oil from the solid parts of the olive, such as pulp and pit. Malaxation can be done using traditional techniques like hydraulic presses or through centrifugation in decanter or centrifugal machines.
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Decanting and Filtration: After malaxation, the oil and solid residue (called pomace) are separated. Decanting is the process by which the oil naturally separates from the pomace due to density differences. Then, the oil is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles, ensuring clarity.
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Storage and Bottling: Once filtered, the oil is stored in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature and light conditions to preserve its quality. It is then bottled or canned, ready to be marketed and enjoyed.
It is important to note that there are variations in the EVOO production process, as different producers may apply specific techniques and methods tailored to their quality goals. However, these general steps are fundamental in producing high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
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