Olive picking

[judyvin]

When does olive picking officially start this year and when do the olive oil factories open for business?

[judyvin]

Does anyone know when olives can officially be harvested this year?

[Johnny Lee]

judyvin. I had some pressed last Sunday and many people now are starting to take them into the press, but with the rain of the last few days many of the trees are now bearing good sized Olives. I did put a topic on regarding Olive Oil.

[judyvin]

Thank you Johnny Lee. I did read your post when you first put it up but haven't since you have had yours pressed. Looks like I will be busy over the next week!

[Johnny Lee]

judyvin, did a little research, depending how good the season is the harvesting period can be from mid Sept, until early Jan.

Also learned a lot of interesting facts. IE. the olive oil is better if not totally clear, small olives make better tasting oil, also get your olives pressed as quickly after picking as possible .Also it is best if possible to store in green or dark coloured bottles. it keeps out harmful UV rays and lots of other snippets, (via U tube). Maybe clean wine bottles with corks.

But the one thing I can't find out is this, If you take a handful of Olives and press them into a clean dish, all you get is brown mush. Yet at the Olive press it is crystal clear within approx 20 minutes. ??

Also I have found out that many people rate Olive oil as the finest Hair conditioner you can get. (makes sense) it's natural.

[Johnny Lee]

Back the top for Maggie and any other interested folks.