Step 2: Cleaning and Washing
After harvesting, the olives are cleaned to remove leaves, dirt, and any other impurities. This ensures that only pure olives go into the oil-making process.
Step 3: Crushing and Grinding
The olives are then crushed into a paste using stone mills or modern stainless steel crushers. This process breaks down the cell walls and releases the oil within the olives.
Step 4: Malaxation (Mixing the Paste)
The olive paste is slowly mixed in a process called malaxation. This allows small oil droplets to combine into larger ones, making extraction easier. The paste is typically mixed for 20 to 45 minutes at a controlled temperature to preserve nutrients.
Step 5: Oil Extraction
The next step involves separating the oil from the solid olive paste. There are two primary methods of extraction:
- Traditional Pressing: The paste is spread onto fiber discs and pressed to extract the oil.
- Modern Centrifugation: A high-speed centrifuge is used to separate the oil from water and solids, yielding purer oil.
Step 6: Filtration (Optional)
Some olive oils undergo filtration to remove any remaining solid particles. However, unfiltered olive oil, also known as “cloudy olive oil,” retains more antioxidants.
Step 7: Storage and Bottling
Finally, the extracted olive oil is stored in stainless steel tanks away from light and heat to preserve its quality. It is then bottled in dark glass containers to protect it from oxidation and maintain its freshness.
Choosing the Best Olive Oil for Health Benefits
When selecting olive oil, keep the following in mind:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): The highest quality, with no chemical processing. It retains the most antioxidants and nutrients.
- Cold-Pressed: Ensures that no heat was used in extraction, preserving the oil’s natural compounds.
- Dark Bottled and Fresh: Light and air can degrade olive oil, so always choose oil stored in dark bottles and check for a recent harvest date.
Conclusion
Olive oil is a powerhouse of health benefits, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. It promotes digestion, protects the heart, supports brain health, and aids in detoxification. By understanding its production process, you can appreciate the care and effort that goes into making this natural elixir. Whether used in cooking or as a daily health supplement, olive oil is a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
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