Olive Oil

[Oneto15]

Marc. last activity 11.47am

Still waiting.......

[Nielo]

Originally Posted by Sally Donaldson

If Italy imports olive oil, does that mean they are at a maximum capacity in being able to produce oil, do you know Maria, or is there scope for further production there???

Another question. With wine, there are recognised international certificates awarded in wine tasting. I have forgotten the name for such people who have undergone this training. Are there similar courses and qualifications for olive oil???

Italy is not at maximum capacity for olive oil (no country that is not completely given over to producing one crop can ever be) Anyone who knows Italy also knows that many olive groves, which were productive are now abandoned. Small scale oil production is not cost effective and in certain areas the landscape does not lend itself to large scale production.

The oil industry is mechanised but to nowhere near the extent of say wheat farming. There is yet to be invented a combined harvester for olives and it is a labour intensive industry.

There is an International Olive Oil Council which runs competitions and awards of ‘Golden Olive’, ‘Silver Olive’ etc.

As the certificates are awarded based on taste amongst other criteria, I would have thought there must be recognised ‘oil tasters’. Perhaps this site will give you more information???


International Olive Council

[sarahandmark]

Well I must say that we certainly do not think that all the best olive oil leaves Italy - Angie's oil is certainly the best we have tasted and not overpowering or too strong like some. It starts off bright green, has a flavour almost like a green apples, slightly peppery and is delicious. As it matures, it mellows.

My parents-in-law are still producing olive oil from some of the oldest trees in Cyprus and we find this very different - very strong and not suitable for baking. Angie's 'Le Marche' oil is full of flavour and delicious on salads, however we also use it in baking - have a very easy cake recipe if anyone is interested!

[Oneto15]

Marc.

Latest activity; today 03.39pm.

And I'm still waiting....... Now eventually I will get bored with this, but without the courtesy of a reply, I would suggest that might say more about your moderating methods than it does about me.

[Mediated Anarchist]

Originally Posted by Sally Donaldson

Another question. With wine, there are recognised international certificates awarded in wine tasting. I have forgotten the name for such people who have undergone this training. [

This part of your post is "off topic" and should be removed and treated as if you are intentionally attempting to derail the thread.

If you want to ask a question about wine - please start a new thread and leave the rest of us alone to discuss only olive oil as we are fearful of having our posts deleted or of being banned. Thank you so much for your kind consideration.

[Gala Placidia]

Nielo has already answered Sally's query. I can only add that I have the feeling that there are some EU regulations that also apply in the case of olive cultivation. I will try to find out.
MA, that's very naughty. You have only quoted part of Sally's paragraph, which reads in full:
QUOTE
Another question. With wine, there are recognised international certificates awarded in wine tasting. I have forgotten the name for such people who have undergone this training. Are there similar courses and qualifications for olive oil???
__________________
UNQUOTE
By reading the full text you see that she is talking about olive oil and not derailing the thread.

Could we have a bit of peace and quiet, please?

[Mediated Anarchist]

But Mother Superior, you must not chastise me so - for I only follow the sins of others who lead by example.

Why are you asking for peace and quiet when you know it's not something that will be granted to you no matter how much you request it?

Oops, forgive me, for I have sinned and taken this thread off topic. I will lead Sally Donaldson by the hand to pastures new where we can repent together in the long grass. What is our penance to be dear Mother Superior?

Can you absolve our dreadful sins and save our tortured souls?

[Gala Placidia]

I'll pray for you, but as I always say: "You are bold as brass".
Now, to link olive oil and religion, so that you do not get accused of derailment, I must tell you that the oil used for consecration as Holy Oil or Consecrated Oil in the Catholic Church for the anointment of the sick, confirmation, christenings, etc. is really olive oil which is blessed at Easter. So there you have another use for olive oil.

[Lollita]

That is interesting Gala, also of course used for certain ear conditions. Sorry off topic

[Gala Placidia]

Not at all, Lollita, warm olive oil has been used to cure ear conditions for centuries. It is a natural remedy.