What is olive oil?

In order to understand the true meaning of what olive oil is, we must first speak of the olive tree.

We are probably talking about one of the first plants to be cultivated by humans and also to be exported. It is an icon of the Mediterranean culture and of course also of its diet.

At the level of symbology represents peace, fertility, glory and wealth. In addition, the olive tree is a species that lives many years so it may be associated with longevity. The Greeks themselves used their branches to crown the Olympic champions and commemorate their victory. But not only the Greeks were attracted to this noble species, the Romans called it ‘the king of the trees’ thanks to its strength and resistance that withstands without problems both frost and the passage of time.

In fact the olive tree is a mythical, as it appears in multitude of legends and stories in a representative way. According to the Greeks, the olive tree was decisive in the founding of Athens. Tells the story that Pallas Athena and Poseidon competed to own a colony and the gods of Olympus asked them for a present for citizens. Poseidon offered a strong horse as a symbol of strength and victory in war, while Athena offered an olive tree as symbol of abundance, nourishment for men and healing for wounds; thus gaining the confrontation and founding of the glorious city of Athens. But not only did the Greeks venerate this tree, also according to Egyptian mythology, the olive was given to humans by the goddess Isis and this taught them the process of extracting olive oil.

Olive oil, liquid gold of the Mediterranean

It is not surprising that many refer to olive oilas ‘liquid gold’, since it not only comes from such a splendid species but it is a real privilege to have it in both kitchen and everyday life. Like the tree, it is one of the first oils in the history of the Mediterranean. That is why its name comes from ‘ azzáyt ‘ which means in Spanish Arabic ‘ olive juice ‘.

EVOO: Extra virgin olive oil

Currently, Spain is the main producer of olive oil and covers 50% of the world’s production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).

But what exactly is this about the EVOO? This range of oil is considered to be of higher quality because of its acidity. The theme of acidity should not be understood as something gustatory, because it does not mean that this oil is acidic flavor, but is a parameter that measures the quality and health of the olive with which it has been elaborated. Less acidity, better olives. In this case the EVOOis the oil that less acidity presents, less than 0.8 grams per 100ml, and therefore is considered the most premium oil and also healthier.

Types of olives and appellations of origin

Only the EVOO are assigned a denomination of origin, which corresponds to a territory and specific product varieties. In Spain we have 29 D.O. and a multitude of olive varieties.

Some of the most common varieties are Arbequina, Sevillenca, Chamomile, Morruda or Picual.

Elegance by L’Oli Ferreris made from Arbequina olives from the centenary olive trees of the Siurana area. It is a territory between the sea and the mountain, which enjoys a mild climate with cold winters, few rains between time and dry summers. Of course, it is an area in which it is used to blow from autumn to spring winds of the Mediterranean like Mistral and Levante.

The Arbequina produces a very characteristic oil since it is sweet, without any bitter touch and some hot, and it tends to be fruity and aromatic. It is certainly one of the best known and appreciated in Mediterranean oils.