What is EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

When it comes to the difference of extra virgin olive oil, it’s all about high quality. Olive oil comes from, you guessed it, olives. But the “extra virgin” description comes from the quality of the olives and the process in which it was produced. 

Oil is classified as “extra virgin” when the oil is extracted during the first pressing of olives. 

Regular olive oil is made from a blend of processed oils. That means that one of the key distinctions between EVOO and regular olive oil is the absence of processed chemicals. In grading olive oils, EVOO represents the highest grade of olive oil, making it truly top notch.

THE WORLD’S MOST SOUTHERN OLIVE GROVES

Cromwell, Alexandra, Clyde, Springvale, Bendigo, Tarras, Wanaka, Lowburn, Bannockburn, and Pisa.

Central Otago’s unique climate is the most southern olive growing region in the world. Deep valleys and river terraces surrounded by snow-covered mountains. 

The groves have very low rainfall; which means the air is dry reducing the risk of pests and disease often present in more temperate climates. 

Long days and very little cloud provide warmth, with extremes in summer and winter.

The region is possibly one of the cleanest environments on earth to grow olives. The natural health of the trees is a reflection of their isolation. 

The soils themselves are relatively young, created from glaciers grinding schist rocks to varying degrees, often to finely grained sand. 

In Central Otago we have a unique climate - typically colder winters, and hotter drier summers than North Island olive growers. Our growing season is shorter and our fruit yields much lower. Our oil yield is around 15% in a warm year, and as low as 10% in a year when we experience frosts pre-harvest so economies of scale mean our oils are generally more expensive.

When you taste Central Otago olive oil, be assured it is processed within hours of picking for optimal quality with intense flavour, dark green colour and extremely delicious!

References with thanks - Cairnmuir, Ollies Olives, Fustini’s

Central Otago Olive Growers - We are a group of sociable, passionate and supportive individuals with one thing in common: OLIVES!