Olive oil has numerous benefits and can contribute significantly to overall health and wellness.

Key advantages:

1. Rich in Healthy Fats – Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats which are considered heart healthy fats. These fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties – It contains olecanthal, a compound that has anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen which may help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against conditions like arthritis as well as osteoporosis by reducing bone loss and boosting bone growth.
3. Antioxidant-Rich – Olive oil is packed with antioxidants which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. This can slow aging and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
4. Supports Brain Health - Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in olive oil can help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and improve cognitive function.
5. Improves Skin Health – Olive oil’s high content of Vitamin A and E along with its moisturizing properties can promote healthy, hydrated skin. It’s also used in many skincare products for it soothing effects.
6. May aid in Weight Loss – Olive oil has been linked to improved metabolism and satiety which may help with weight management when included in a balanced diet.
7. Supports Digestive Health – It has mild laxative effects which can support healthy digestion and help prevent constipation.
8. May reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes – Olive oil has been shown to help regulate blook sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity which could lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
9. Promotes Healthy Hair – olive oil can nourish and strengthen hair, preventing dandruff and promoting overall hair health.
10. Cancer Prevention - Observational studies have shown a link between higher olive oil consumption and lower risks of some cancers.

The process of pressing cold-pressed olive oil involves extracting the oil from olives without the use of heat or chemicals, which helps preserve the natural flavors, antioxidants and nutrients.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cold-pressing process:

1. Harvesting the Olives
   • Timing: Our olives are typically harvested when they are ripe but not overripe, usually at the end of October, beginning of November.
   • Method: Our olives are carefully mechanically harvested. Care is taken to avoid bruising the olives as this can affect the oil quality.
2. Washing and Cleaning
   • After harvesting the olives are taken to our local press where the olives are washed thoroughly to remove dirt, leaves and any other debris. This is a critical step to ensure no impurities are transferred to the oil during extraction.
3. Crushing the Olives
   • Nowadays, olives are usually crushed using  a crusher that grinds the olives into a paste. The entire olive (including the pit) is crushed and the resulting paste consists of olive pulp and oil droplets.
4. Malaxation (Mixing the Paste)
   • The olive paste is then slowly mixed or "malaxed" for about 20–40 minutes. This process helps to break down the cell walls of the olive and release the oil droplets.
   • Temperature Control: The paste is kept cool throughout the malaxation process, typically below 27°C (80°F), to ensure the oil remains "cold-pressed." This low temperature helps retain the oil’s flavour, aroma and nutritional properties.
5. Oil Extraction
   • After malaxation, the paste is subjected to centrifugation.
   • Centrifugation: The paste is spun in a centrifuge which separates the oil from the water and solids (pomace) based on their different densities.
   • The oil extracted from the paste is still in a mixed form, containing both the oil and some water.
6. Separation
   • The oil is then separated from the olive water (also known as "vegetative water"). This step can be done by further centrifugation. The remaining oil is collected and the solid remnants, known as pomace, are discarded.
   • This step ensures the oil is clear and free from impurities.

Benefits of Cold-Pressed Olive Oil:

• Higher Nutrients: The process preserves antioxidants (such as polyphenols), vitamins (especially Vitamin E) which are beneficial for heart health, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being.
• Better Flavour: The oil has a fresh, complex flavour profile with notes of spiciness that is lost in oils made with heat or chemical extraction.
• Unrefined and Pure: Cold-pressed olive oil is unrefined, which means no chemicals or high-heat treatments are involved.
• Acidity Level: The acidity level of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is generally low (below 0.8%), which is a sign of high quality.

In essence, cold-pressed olive oil is the result of a traditional and natural extraction process that prioritizes quality, flavor, and nutritional value over speed or cost.

Scandelaia from the 11th century to today - The story of an estate rooted in Etruscan and medieval history of the present day Berardenga.

Edited by Fosco Vivi

Download Our History Brochure