Oil Mill: The Journey of the Olive to Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The oil mill is the heart of the extra virgin olive oil supply chain: this is where the olive is transformed into EVO oil. The oil mill is the place where artisan expertise and technological innovation meet to obtain an authentic and excellent product.

The process begins with olive harvesting, which takes place at the right degree of ripeness. The olives are quickly transferred to the oil mill (within 12-24 hours) to prevent oxidation or fermentation.

Processing stages in the oil mill: from harvesting to milling

1. Selection and washing: the olives are freed from leaves and branches, then thoroughly washed.
2. Milling: crushing takes place with mechanical crushers or stone mills. This produces an olive paste.
3. Malaxation: the paste is stirred to facilitate the union of oil droplets.
4. Extraction:
   • in continuous cycle oil mills, centrifugation is used;
   • in traditional oil mills, pressing can be done under pressure.
5. Separation and filtration: the oil is separated from water and pomace, filtered and then stored in stainless steel tanks.

All these stages take place at low temperature (maximum 27 °C), according to the cold pressing technique, to preserve polyphenols, antioxidants and aromas.

Read also: Olive yield: what it is.

The Contedoro Oil Mill: innovation and territory

The modern oil mill Contedoro is equipped with advanced technologies such as hammer crushers, temperature-controlled malaxers and centrifugal separators. We process Irpinian olives hand-picked and milled within 24 hours to produce an extra virgin olive oil with a rich and balanced organoleptic profile.

Every detail is carefully managed to preserve the herbaceous notes, the fruity taste, the right degree of bitterness and pungency, and a high concentration of polyphenols.

The oil miller: the guardian of quality

The oil miller is the central figure within the oil mill. He supervises every stage, from olive crushing to malaxation, ensuring that temperatures, times and process parameters are always under control. His experience is what distinguishes a good oil from an extraordinary oil.

Conclusion: the oil mill, a bastion of excellence

Whether it is traditional oil mills or modern oil mills, every step within the oil mill contributes to the creation of a superior extra virgin olive oil. Respect for the raw material, the use of accurate processing techniques and the careful work of the oil miller are what make an oil truly worthy of Italian tradition.

At Contedoro, every drop tells a story of commitment, territory and passion for extra virgin olive oil. If you wish to learn more about our production method or purchase an authentic and quality oil, visit our e-commerce or contact us directly.