The olive harvest in the valley of Les Baux de Provence is done using fillets of 6 to 8 meters wide lying on the ground. Harvesting is semi-manual with vibrating combs. Yes lives and leaves fall in the net. The sheets will be sorted later.
The olives are then brought to the mill, here the Moulin Cornille in Maussane les Alpilles, then emptied into the belt to be mounted at the mill. This is when the leaves are blown to recover only the olives. Leaves and branches will be collected to make compost.
See the video of the olive harvest
In the next video, you will discover how olives are transformed into oil.
Harvesting olives in Provence
a traditional process Olive harvesting in Provence is a process that takes place every year from November to January, when the olives are ripe and ready to be picked. The olive harvest is an ancestral tradition in the Provence region and is an important moment for olive oil producers., who rely on the harvest to produce the premium olive oil the region is known for.
The olive harvest : by hand or by machine ?
There are several methods of harvesting olives, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Hand harvesting is often considered the gentlest and most tree-friendly method, because it allows the olives to be picked without damaging the tree. However, harvesting by hand is also more expensive than mechanical harvesting and requires more labor. Mechanical harvesting, as for her, is faster and cheaper, but it can damage branches and olives, which can affect the quality of the olive oil produced.
The transformation of olives into olive oil
Once the olives are harvested, they are sorted and cleaned before being pressed to extract the oil. The pressing method used depends on the quality of olive oil desired.. To produce superior quality olive oil, like extra virgin olive oil, olives are usually cold pressed, without using solvents or chemicals. This pressing method makes it possible to produce a better quality olive oil., but it is also more expensive and slower.
Provence olive oil : top quality oil
Olive oil from Provence is known for its exceptional quality and characteristic flavor. It is produced from olives grown in the region and pressed using traditional methods. It is often used in Provencal cuisine and can be used in many recipes, including salads, the marinades, the sauces, meat and fish dishes and vegetable dishes. Olive oil from Provence is also