Olive oil directly from the producer, a very special oil for the kitchen
Olive trees and olive plantations are sights that we all know from the countries around the Mediterranean. On our travels as travel bloggers, we remember restaurants in Portugal where the olive oil comes directly from the producer in the Alentejo cuisine plays a role. The fish specialties along the Rota do Peixe would be unthinkable without olive oil. The same goes for antipasti from Italy or Tapas in Spain. Specialties from Provence like Pan Bagnat or Pissaladière only taste good with olive oil from the region. It is therefore best to use organic olive oil directly from the producer in the region where the dishes come from. This is the only way to achieve the taste that you know from your vacation. There is a reason for this.
Buying olive oil directly from the producer offers freshness and authenticity that industrially produced oils often cannot offer. By buying directly, we know exactly where our olive oil comes from and at the same time support local producers. The advantages of buying directly are:
- Freshness: The olive oil is stored for a shorter period of time.
- Transparency: We know the cultivation methods as well as the production processes.
- Quality: This is usually extra virgin olive oil.
- Support: Direct support for smaller producers.
The origin of olive oil
The history of olive oil begins as early as the 6th millennium BC. Even then, oil was a commodity. Nevertheless, there are still secrets surrounding the natural product. Would you have thought that olive oil can be good for the environment and even fill you up?
Did you know that olive oil always tastes different?
The taste of an olive oil depends on the variety and the region in which it grows. There are around 1.000 varieties of olives in the Mediterranean alone. Influences characterize the olive oils that are typical for the growing region. The weather in the harvest year, the day of the harvest and even the height at which an olive tree grows play a role. Olive oil can be compared to wine. The taste changes from year to year and from one variety to another.
Olive oil straight from the producer is good for the environment
Olive oil from Europe is good for the planet. Olive tree forests are a CO₂ sink; they draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and then bind it in the soil. Producing one liter of olive oil removes around 10 kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere. This crop alone makes up for up to a third of all greenhouse gas emissions in Andalusia. The south of Spain is also one of the most important olive oil producing regions in the world. Olive groves also prevent erosion and desertification. Over 340 million olive trees grow in Spain alone. This is the largest forest in the world planted by humans.
Good to know if you buy olive oil directly from the producer:
These current developments in sustainable agriculture and certifications underline the environmental aspect of olive oil:
- Regenerative Agriculture – This method aims to improve soil quality and store carbon, which is also used in olive production.
- EU organic label and the “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO) – These certifications ensure that the olive oil is produced according to strict ecological and geographical standards.
Buying olive oil directly from the producer is sustainable
If you buy your organic olive oil directly from the producer, you are not only doing something good for the environment. You are also supporting the olive farmers. This means you are directly contributing to their livelihood.
Benefits of olive oil directly from the producer
The advantages of olive oil directly from the producer are obvious.
- Freshness: The olive oil is fresh because it is processed and sold immediately after harvest. This means that the valuable nutrients and aromas are better preserved.
- authenticity: We obtain an authentic product that preserves the typical characteristics of the region and olive variety.
- Quality: Olive oil bought directly from the producer is often extra virgin and is carefully produced, which is reflected in the taste and quality.
In this way we can enjoy an olive oil that is genuine and of the highest quality.
Tips for buying olive oil
When buying olive oil, for example, there are important points to consider:
- Origin: Make sure that the olive oil comes from a well-known olive growing region. Countries such as Italy, Spain or Greece offer high quality.
- Certifications: Choose olive oil with certificates such as “extra virgin” or “PGI”, which stand for gentle processing as well as for protected designation of origin.
- Packaging: Dark glass bottles protect the oil from light and preserve its quality.
These criteria help us select a high-quality olive oil that is rich in flavors and nutrients.
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Olive oil from Crete:
Cretan olive oil is known for its mild and fruity taste. The olive groves on the Greek island of Crete are often family-run and have a long tradition. The climate on Crete, with its hot summers and mild winters, offers ideal conditions for olive cultivation. We appreciate the opportunity to purchase the oil directly from small producers who press their olives using traditional methods.
Olive oil from Italy:
Italian olive oil is appreciated worldwide and offers a wide variety of flavors. Regions such as Tuscany, Sicily and Puglia are known for their high-quality oils. Each region produces different flavors, depending on the types of olives grown there. Buying directly from the producer in Italy allows us to enjoy olive oils that are often produced in small quantities and with great care. Buying directly also supports local farmers and protects traditional production methods.
Spanish olive oil from the producer:
Spain is the largest olive oil producer in the world, and the country offers an incredible variety of olive oils. Regions such as Andalusia, Catalonia and Extremadura are known for their olive groves. Spanish olive oil has different flavor profiles depending on the region and variety of olive, from bold and peppery to smooth and nutty. We prefer to buy directly from Spanish producers to experience the full range of these flavors while supporting local agriculture.
Overall, buying olive oil directly from the producer not only offers higher quality products, but also a deeper connection with the producers and their culture. It is a way to discover the diversity and uniqueness of olive oil from different countries while promoting sustainable and traditional farming methods.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Recipe ideas with olive oil
Vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini and peppers are often fried or grilled in olive oil. A method of preparation that is not only simple but also healthy. The world's largest producer of olive oil is Europe. When preparing vegetables such as asparagus, the cooking oil also allows them to be cooked on the grill or in the pan. This keeps the asparagus juicy on the inside. Both the nutrients of the oil and the vegetables are retained. If you use an olive oil of a variety like Cornicabra, it also gives the asparagus a flavor that is reminiscent of Mediterranean cuisine. In dishes such as guacamole, olive oil also improves the taste.
Recipe tip 1: Fried green asparagus
Serves 2 people:
- 500 g green asparagus or wild asparagus
- 50 ml olive oil of the Cornicabra variety
- salt (to taste)
Preparation:
Wash asparagus. Cut about one to two centimeters from the stem. Drizzle a frying pan or griddle with a little olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the asparagus. Fry for a few minutes, turning. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the asparagus and then serve as a side dish or as an appetizer with some baguette.
Recipe tip 2: Guacamole
Ingredients for 2 portions:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 avocado
- ¼ bunch coriander
- ¼ onion
- two gloves of garlic
- Juice of one lime
- 2 spring onions
- Salt
Preparation:
Halve the avocado, remove the stone and remove the flesh from the peel using a spoon. Place in a bowl and then mash with a fork. Chop the coriander. Peel and dice onion. Chop garlic. Add to the avocado along with the remaining ingredients and then mix. The guacamole tastes good with tortilla chips, for example.
You can also find more recipes with olive oil here:
- cold cucumber soup
- Dakos - a specialty from Greece
- Under www.oliveoilworldtour.de There are also recipe tips.
Studies and sources on olive oil
If you want to know more about the effects of olive oil, you can find American studies here:
- "Health benefits of olive oil" (2020) – This review summarizes the health-promoting properties of olive oil, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- "Olive Oil Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in the US Population" (2022) – This study shows that higher consumption of olive oil is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Olive oil and cancer prevention: This study examines the possible cancer-preventive properties of olive oil
- Olive oil in the Mediterranean diet: An article discussing the importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet and its health benefits
- International Olive Council: This organization provides comprehensive information on the quality and classification of olive oil. A link to the official website could enrich the page.
- Olive Oil Times: This website provides news, research and analysis on the olive oil industry.
And finally ...
Buying olive oil directly from the producer offers numerous advantages that affect both the taste and the quality. We can be sure that the oil is fresh, authentic and carefully produced. We get a product that reflects the regional characteristics and is often less industrially processed. When buying, we should pay attention to the origin, certificates and packaging in order to choose a high-quality olive oil.
- Freshness: Produced directly after harvest.
- authenticity: Preservation of regional flavors.
- Quality: Careful manufacturing.
We therefore recommend that you choose olive oil from the producer the next time you buy it.
FAQs
What are the advantages of buying olive oil directly from the producer?
Buying olive oil directly from the producer ensures freshness as well as authenticity. You support local producers and receive a product that is often less industrially processed.
How can I ensure that the olive oil from the producer is high quality?
Look for certificates such as “cold pressed” or “extra virgin”. Ask the producer about cultivation methods and harvest time to ensure quality.
Can I buy olive oil from the producer online?
Yes, many producers offer their olive oils online. Look for reputable suppliers and read customer reviews to check the quality.
How does the region influence the taste of olive oil?
The region influences the climate, the soil and the types of olives, which determine the taste of the olive oil. For example, Italian oil is often fruitier, while Spanish oil has a stronger taste.
Are there seasonal differences in olive oil from the producer?
Yes, olive oils have seasonal differences. Fresh oil usually has a more intense flavor and should be consumed within a year of harvest.
Do you know this?
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Sources Organic olive oil directly from the producer: on-site research and djd/Oliveoilworldtour recipe ideas
Text Organic olive oil directly from the producer: Monika Fuchs and djd/Oliveoilworldtour recipe ideas
Photos organic olive oil directly from the producer: Wikimedia Commons public domain as well as djd/Oliveoilworldtour recipe ideas and Unsplash
Updated on 18.08.2024
