High quality olive oil: production and tradition in Europe

High quality olive oil: production and tradition in Europe

As a citizen of Berlin, olive oil is an integral part of our kitchen. The use of high -quality olive oil has become a matter of course for many of us. But how does the "liquid gold" actually arise and what effects does production have on the environment?

In Germany, olive oil consumption is still relatively low compared to other European countries. The per capita consumption is around one liter, while in countries such as Spain, Greece and Italy there are significantly higher consumption figures. Nevertheless, the demand for olive oil in Germany increases steadily. On the one hand, this is due to the growing awareness of consumers for healthy eating and high -quality foods. On the other hand, the Germans are increasingly willing to break new ground. This increased consumption has meant that Germany has now become the largest consumer of olive oil among non-Mediterranean countries in Europe. In 2022 alone, 80,000 tons of olive oil were consumed in Germany, with the majority of imported from Spain.

The production of olive oil also has an impact on the environment. The olive tree is an important crop in Europe and plays a crucial role in biodiversity. In Europe, almost six million hectares are planted with olive trees, which makes the tree a key plant for the economy, culture and environment of the Mediterranean. Careful maintenance of the olive trees and the soil is therefore necessary for sustainable production. A fertile floor that is processed free by pesticides and mechanically forms the basis for the entire ecosystem of the olive grove.

In addition, the variety of olive types in Europe guarantees a large selection of extra native olive oils with different flavors and flavors. Around 200 different types of olive are grown in Spain alone, with the Picual variety being the most important worldwide and around a quarter of the global olive oil is obtained from it.

The harvest and manufacture of olive oil usually takes place between October and February. There are different harvesting methods, from the traditional handicraft to machine harvest. The fruits are then brought into the oil mill, cleaned, ground and processed into oil in a centrifuge. The freshly obtained oil continues to go through a process of filtration and storage before it is filled as an extra native or native olive oil.

The Olive Oil World Tour, an advertising campaign by olive oils from Spain and the European Union, aims to advertise European olive oils in various markets and to sensitize consumers to healthy eating and sustainability. In the coming years, the campaign in Germany will be present and conduct various events and media campaigns to raise awareness of the diverse properties of olive oil.

Overall, olive oil is an important food that not only plays an important role in Mediterranean cuisine, but also in Germany. The production of olive oil has both local and global effects, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable and high -quality production.

Source: olive Oil world tour / OTS