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Discover The Liquid Gold of Spain
Spain, renowned for its sun-drenched landscapes and rich culinary heritage, is the world’s largest producer of olive oil. Spanish olive oil, particularly Extra Virgin Olive Oil (E.V.O.O.), is often referred to as "liquid gold" for its exceptional quality and integral role in Mediterranean cuisine. From the ancient groves of Andalusia to the rolling hills of Catalonia, the process of creating this exquisite product is a blend of tradition, science, and art.
Cultivation
The olives used for E.V.O.O. are typically from varieties like Picual, Hojiblanca, Arbequina, and Cornicabra, each imparting unique flavours and characteristics. Olive trees thrive in the Mediterranean climate, where hot summers and mild winters provide the ideal conditions. Cultivating these trees requires careful attention to pruning, soil management, and irrigation. While modern techniques have made farming more efficient, many Spanish producers still rely on traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
Harvesting
Harvesting is a critical step that greatly influences the quality of the oil. Timing is everything—olives picked too early may be too bitter, while those harvested too late can produce oil that is less vibrant in flavour.
In Spain, the olive harvest season typically runs from October to January. Traditionally, olives were hand-picked, a labor-intensive process ensuring minimal damage to the fruit. Today, while mechanical shakers and combs are often used to expedite the process, many premium producers continue to harvest by hand to maintain the highest quality standards.
Milling
Once harvested, olives must be processed swiftly to preserve their freshness and prevent oxidation. At the mill, the olives undergo several stages:
- Washing: The olives are cleaned to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris.
- Crushing: The cleaned olives are then crushed into a paste using stone mills or modern stainless-steel grinders. This releases the oil from the olive cells.
- Malaxation: This process involves slowly churning the olive paste to allow the small oil droplets to combine into larger ones.
Extraction
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is obtained through cold extraction, which means the oil is extracted without using heat or chemicals, ensuring it retains its natural flavours, antioxidants, and nutrients. The paste is pressed or centrifuged to separate the oil from the water and solid materials.
- Pressing: In traditional methods, the paste is spread onto mats and pressed to extract the oil. While this method is less common today, it’s still used by some artisanal producers.
- Centrifugation: Modern mills often use centrifugal force to separate the oil from the rest of the olive paste. This method is efficient and helps maintain the quality of the oil.
Filtration and Bottling
After extraction, the oil is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles. Some producers opt for unfiltered oil, which can have a more robust flavour but may appear cloudy. The final step is bottling. E.V.O.O. is stored in dark glass or tin containers to protect it from light and air, which can degrade its quality. The oil is then labeled with information about its origin, variety, and production methods.
El Campello Gourmet
We are proud to introduce our selection of the finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils (E.V.O.O.) available for your enjoyment.
Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra "Oro del Vinalopó" is an award-winning, premium olive oil from the mountainous region of Cañada in Alicante, Spain. Known for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavour, this extra virgin olive oil is crafted from a blend of local olive varieties, including Arbequina, Picual, and Rojal.
Produced by Almazara San Cristóbal using sustainable and ecological farming practices, "Oro del Vinalopó" has been recognised at several international competitions for its outstanding quality.
In addition to our pure olive oils, we offer delightful flavour infusions featuring lemon, orange, or rosemary to elevate your culinary creations.
Place your order now on our website and explore the rich, authentic taste of our Spanish liquid gold.
Discover the flavour, get inspired for your culinary adventures, and most importantly, enjoy the extraordinary experience of our premium olive oils!
