THE OLIVE HARVEST NO. 9 -- THE NEW OIL FLOWS

The olive press is rife with activity today. The above photograph is out of sequence but I think it is the prettiest. If I knew how do to multiple pics, I would not have to show each one separately but here goes.

Olive mash spread on the mats.

Close up of oil oozing from the mats.

Antonio throws swtich to release oil.

The oil flows.

This is wonderful stuff flowing into the basin. I wish all could have it. The startling fact is that 80 percent of the oil produced in Italy, stays in Italy. This leaves 20 percent for the rest of the world. This is still a lot of oil but it is not enough. Italy's beautiful oil has created a demand which cannot be met.

By law, it is legal to state that oil can carry an Italian label if it is bottled in Italy. This sounds scandalous, and it is in a way, but the oil Italy imports from Spain and other countries is excellent oil. Not long ago there was a local company that produced excellent oil. A multinational company came along and made them an offer they could not refuse. The plant here closed down, people were thrown out of work. The brand name remains the same and even carries the local place name on the label. The oil no doubt tastes pretty much the same.

The individuals who buy oil from us know that it will not be the same as it was last year. They don't care. If you are buying olive oil at a supermarket, however, you do care. You want a consistent product. That means blending.

I will tell you about that and what happens to the discarded mash tomorrow. I am rather distraught today My best friend in Italy is very seriously ill. Her husband was here in tears to deliver a late birthday present for me from her. I may be slow with comments.