What is an oil mill? Discover where olive oil is made.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet, valued not only for its flavor but also for the multiple health benefits it offers.

But have you ever wondered where this "liquid gold" is made? The answer lies in the mill, the place where olives are transformed into olive oil, which has a significant impact on the final quality of the oil.

Aware of its importance, at Olivarte we explain what an olive oil mill is and how it works, so you understand why it is essential in the production of high-quality olive oil.

What is an oil mill?

The definition of almazara according to the RAE is "oil mill", although at Olivarte we go a step further, and we understand it as an industrial or artisanal facility where olives are processed to obtain olive oil.

The term "almazara" comes from the Arabic al-ma'sara, which means "place where it is pressed."

And although modern oil mills have evolved a lot since their origins, their goal remains the same: to extract oil from olives in the most efficient and respectful way possible to preserve all their properties and quality.

The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Olivarte comes from mills that combine tradition and technology. Each bottle you find in our store is the result of a careful and meticulous process that begins in the field and ends on your table.

The process of producing olive oil in the mill

The process of producing olive oil in a mill consists of several stages, and each of them plays a crucial role in ensuring the final quality of the AOVE:

1. Olive harvesting

The process begins in the olive grove, where the olives are harvested at their optimal ripeness. Many AOVE brands prioritize early harvesting, as green olives contain a higher concentration of polyphenols, which are the main contributors to the antioxidant benefits of the oil.

2. Transport and cleaning

Once collected, the olives are quickly transported to the mill. There, they undergo a cleaning process to remove impurities such as leaves, branches, or dirt.

3. Grinding

The clean olives are crushed in a mill to obtain a paste. Traditionally, this process was done with large millstones, but nowadays hammer mills or more efficient metal crushers are used.

4. Pasta shake

The obtained paste is slowly beaten in a mixer to promote the separation of the oil. This step is crucial, as the beating must be done at a controlled temperature (below 27°C) to ensure that the oil retains all its properties.

This method is known as cold extraction and is used by the best brands of AOVE, such as Almazaras de la Subbética, Artajo, Bravoleum, or Castillo de Canena, among many others.

5. Oil extraction

The whipped paste is centrifuged in a machine called a decanter, which separates the oil from the water and solids (pomace). The oil obtained at this stage is extra virgin olive oil, provided it meets the quality standards regarding acidity and organoleptic characteristics.

6. Filtration and storage

Finally, the oil is filtered to remove any residual impurities and is stored in stainless steel tanks, protected from light and air to maintain its freshness and quality.

Why is the oil mill important for the quality of the oil?

As you might guess, the olive mill plays a fundamental role in the final quality of olive oil, as a good production process ensures that the oil retains all its nutritional and sensory properties, such as its flavor, aroma, and texture.

Furthermore, modern olive mills have advanced technology that allows for the control of each stage of the process, from the mixing temperature to the storage time. This ensures that the extra virgin olive oil that reaches your table is always of the highest quality.

In conclusion, we could say that the olive mill is the heart of olive oil production, as it is the place where olives are transformed into a product full of flavor, aroma, and health benefits.

In Olivarte you can buy AOVE produced in the best olive oil mills in Spain, which will be the result of careful and respectful work both with tradition and with the environment, and will allow you to enjoy a unique experience.