Summary:
In this episode of the Love Food Love Life podcast, host Ethy speaks with Francesca Oliva, a third-generation olive oil producer, about the intricate journey of olive oil from farm to table. They discuss the differences between extra virgin and regular olive oil, the challenges of growing olives, the importance of quality control, and the impact of climate change on olive production. Francesca emphasizes the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil and shares insights on cooking with it, as well as the global demand for high-quality olive oil.
Key Takeaways:
Francesca's family has a long history in olive oil production, starting with her grandfather in 1957.
Growing olives requires careful attention to the variety and location, affecting the final quality.
Harvesting olives manually is labor-intensive but essential for maintaining quality.
Extra virgin olive oil is a juice that should be produced under strict temperature controls.
The term 'cold press' is outdated; the focus should be on cold extraction for quality.
Many consumers confuse olive oil with extra virgin olive oil, which is a refined product.
Cooking with extra virgin olive oil is common in Sicily, despite misconceptions about its smoke point.
Climate change is affecting the timing and quality of olive harvests.
The market for extra virgin olive oil is small compared to other oils, making quality production challenging.
Directly sourcing from producers ensures better quality and authenticity.
Chapters:
00:00 The Olive Oil Journey Begins
05:00 Growing Olives: The Process and Challenges
11:06 Harvesting and Crushing: From Olive to Oil
16:27 Understanding Extra Virgin vs. Regular Olive Oil
20:39 Challenges in Olive Harvesting
22:24 Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
24:35 Understanding Olive Oil Quality
26:17 Harvesting Seasons and Climate Change
28:35 Varietals and Flavor Profiles
30:22 The Importance of Single Variety Olive Oils
32:04 Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
34:08 Meeting Global Demand for Quality Olive Oil
35:58 Mechanization and Its Impact on Olive Production
37:56 Tourism and Olive Oil Experiences
To find out more about Francesca and Agricola Oliva, clink on this link to their website: https://agricolaoliva.it/en/