Recently, the research studies carried out on plants for the olive oil extraction were oriented on the introduction of innovative tools for the olive paste conditioning: microwave and megasonic systems able to condition the olive paste in very short time. Puglia (Italy) and Australia: two different situations, far apparently but linked by the intention to share their knowledge to improve the olive oil sector

The Probiolives Project. Research on table olives has shown that the consumption of this product can strengthen consumers’ natural immune systems

While it is sometimes difficult to teach adults to discern the aromas of olive oil, children are more spontaneous and free of prejudice. It is easier to discern scents and aromas if we have fewer “perturbing factors”. Teaching is easier when the students have no previous knowledge or preconceptions

In a photo gallery portraying olive trees, the landscape becomes an element of unmistakable beauty. Giorgio Sorcinelli has immortalized some very distinctive elements of olive trees, highlighting not only their magnificence, rusticity and adaptability to different territories, but also their surroundings

Talc addition was once considered taboo, but nowadays even the scientific world is starting to investigate its use and potential benefits. There is something we want to know: does talc affect the yield and quality of extra virgin olive oil? Professor Francesco Caponio, together with his colleagues from the University of Bari, is trying to answer this question. What happens when physical extraction adjuvants are added to olive paste during malaxation?

Enough of this geriatric approach towards olive tree cultivation. We need renovation. How can we possibly conceive a sector operating at a loss? If there is no profit, olive cultivation makes no sense. At Olio Officina Anteprima in Alghero, the protagonists of the event were the “Captains Courageous”, oil masters Domenico and Pasquale Manca. With them, the most distinguished Italian authorities discuss the newest trends in olive tree cultivation

Has the method employed for the sensory analysis of extra virgin olive oil reached the end of the line? Is it time to change approach and/or targets? These questions require urgent, unambiguous answers, and the entire oil sector must now respond. Currently there is a sort of distorted view. Too much attention is given to defects and too little to the positive traits of oil. We are training a class of defect hunters

These pictures, taken by Giorgio Sorcinelli, portray olives at different stages of maturity. There are various methods to estimate their degree of ripeness. One of the most popular is the so-called Jaen index. Many scientific investigations concur that there is an optimal maturity level for every variety, offsetting the sensory features and aromatic profile of the olives, as well as their phenolic composition

There is one question I am frequently asked: is it better to pick olives by hand, or use mechanical means? We should be aware that harvesting is a delicate and potentially risky procedure, because it may trigger the hydrolytic reactions that increase the free acidity levels in olive oil, with detrimental effects on its quality

The new oil has arrived, as we can see from the many photos posted on the internet. Most producers show pictures of the oil flowing out of the separator. However, the key stage of oil production is when it is extracted from the malaxing unit, for this is when its bouquet of scents and flavours originates

According to official sources, the Olive tree (Olea europea) was introduced into China over 40 years ago. However, the crop only started to expand at the beginning of the millennium. The areas of greatest potential for the development of olive growing are Gansu, Shaanxi and Sichuan. China currently has an olive hectarage of 86 000 ha, of which 43% is under irrigation. More than 27% of the current surface area is under production

The olive samples to analyze are collected in tulip glasses, which are traditionally used in oil tasting. The olives tasting normally take place at ambient temperature, around 20-22°C (68-72 F). If olives are in the brine, it is necessary that the liquid covers all fruits in the glass

CEQ is a consortium that promotes and protects the quality of extra virgin olive oil, extending the concept to the entire production process, from cultivation to marketing and conservation. The aim is to ensure that the consumer receives an excellent product from both an analytical and a sensorial point of view, and that this is achieved while fully respecting the environment

How much do colour and cloudiness matter in extra virgin olive oil? It would appear that the consumers are strongly influenced by these two aspects. Are colour and cloudiness in any way related to freshness? What are the results of countless investigations on this issue? Are we sure that oil filtering is a useful process?

Nobody was born an expert. Proper use, as condiment and during cooking, is crucial. Suggestions on the choice, the preservation of the quality, the risk of deterioration, the correct use. A short but fundamental handbook to avoid mistakes