The Process
Olive oil production on an industrial level involves several steps to ensure the high quality and purity of the final product. Firstly, the olives are carefully harvested using specialized machinery such as mechanical shakers or tree shakers that gently detach the olives from the branches. This ensures that they are not damaged during the harvesting process.
Once the olives are harvested, they are transported to the mill where the olives are washed to remove any dirt or debris. The olives then go through a grinding process, which breaks them down into a paste. This paste is then mixed in a malaxer, which allows the natural oils in the olives to be released.
The next step is the separation process, where a centrifuge or press is used to separate the olive oil from the solid parts of the olive paste, such as skins and pits. This separation process ensures that only the pure olive oil is extracted.
After the olive oil is extracted, it goes through a filtering process to remove any impurities. This step helps to improve the clarity and taste of the olive oil. It is then stored in stainless steel tanks or barrels to prevent oxidation and maintain its freshness.
In terms of packaging and shipping, olive oil is typically packaged in glass or plastic bottles and sealed to maintain its quality. The bottles are labeled with the necessary information such as the type of olive oil and its origin. The packaged olive oil is then shipped to stores or distributors for sale.
Overall, the process of producing olive oil involves careful harvesting, grinding, separation, filtering, and packaging to ensure a high-quality product that meets the standards of consumers. The use of specialized equipment and careful handling at each step contributes to the production of olive oil that is enjoyed by consumers around the world.
