Cooking olive oil is made through a process called extraction. This process involves several key steps to transform olives into the flavorful oil we use in cooking.
The Extraction Process
Here's a breakdown of the steps involved in making cooking olive oil:
- Harvesting: The process begins with harvesting ripe olives from the olive trees.
- Crushing: The harvested olives are then crushed into a paste.
- Malaxation: The olive paste is then stirred or mixed in a process called malaxation. This process allows the tiny oil droplets to combine into larger ones.
- Centrifuging: The olive paste is then put in a centrifuge to separate the oil from the water and solids.
- Separation: The oil is separated from any remaining water or solids.
- Filtration: Finally, the olive oil is filtered to remove any remaining impurities, resulting in the finished product ready for cooking.
This process results in a flavorful and healthy oil, that has been a part of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries and is now enjoyed worldwide.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Harvesting | Gathering ripe olives. |
| Crushing | Breaking down olives into a paste. |
| Malaxation | Stirring the paste to combine oil droplets. |
| Centrifuging | Separating oil from water and solids using centrifugal force. |
| Separation | Isolating the oil from any remaining water or solids. |
| Filtration | Removing remaining impurities. |
- The quality and flavor of olive oil can vary based on the olive variety, harvest time and the extraction process.
