Tree to Table, IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
From Tree to Table – The Journey of Our IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
At Tenuta Le Mandorlaie, creating IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oil Organic Toscana is not just a craft but a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the rich traditions of Maremma, Tuscany. Every bottle tells a story of dedication, from nurturing the olive trees to delivering the finished product to your table. We want to take you through each step of the process, showcasing the care and expertise that makes our extra virgin olive oil exceptional.
Caring for Our Olive Trees
The journey begins in our olive groves, where each tree is carefully tended throughout the year to ensure healthy growth and high-quality fruit. Our practices are rooted in organic farming principles, avoiding synthetic chemicals and fostering biodiversity.
Here’s what goes into caring for our trees
Pruning – In late winter or early spring, we prune the trees to maintain their structure, ensure good air circulation, and encourage optimal fruit production. This step is vital for the health and longevity of the trees.
Pest Management – Using organic methods such as natural predators and traps, we protect our olives from pests like the olive fruit fly, ensuring a healthy and untainted harvest.
Nourishing the Soil with Cover Crops
To maintain the vitality of our soil, we grow cover crops like legumes, clovers and mixed grasses between the rows of our olive trees. These plants offer several benefits
- Natural Fertilization – Cover crops fix nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.
- Erosion Control – Their roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion during heavy rains.
- Weed Suppression – By covering the ground, they reduce the growth of weeds naturally.
When the time is right, these cover crops are cut and mulched and left ontop of the soil, enriching it with organic matter and improving its structure whilst also slowing moisture evaporation.
The Olive Harvest – A Race Against Time
Harvest season is the most exciting yet demanding time of the year. Timing is crucial for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oiL
- Monitoring Ripeness – We carefully monitor the ripening process, ensuring that the olives are harvested at their peak for the best balance of flavor and nutritional value.
- Hand Harvesting – Our olives are harvested by hand with gentle tools to avoid bruising. This labor-intensive process protects the fruit and ensures only the best olives are selected.
- Speed to Mill – Freshness is key to preserving the quality of the oil. We deliver the harvested olives to the mill within six hours, minimizing oxidation and preserving the natural flavors and aromas.
Cold Pressing in an Oxygen Free Environment at the Mill
At the mill, the olives are cold-pressed in an oxygen free environment to extract the oil. Here’s what makes this unique
- Cleaning – The olives are first cleaned to remove leaves, twigs, and any impurities.
- Grinding – They are crushed into a paste in an oxygen free environment
- Cold Extraction – The paste is slowly mixed and pressed under controlled temperatures (below 27°C) to extract the oil while retaining its nutrients and flavors, also in an oxygen free environment
The result? A vibrant, aromatic oil that meets the rigorous standards of IGP Toscana certification.
Storage and Bottling – Protecting our Liquid Gold
Once the oil is extracted, it is filtered and stored in stainless steel tanks under nitrogen to prevent oxidation. The oil is then bottled in dark glass bottles or bag-in-box packaging to shield it from light and air. Each bottle is labeled with the IGP Toscana mark, a guarantee of authenticity, quality, and provenance.
Delivery to Your Doorstep
The final step in the journey is delivering our organic extra virgin olive oil to your home. Our secure online shop ensures a seamless ordering process, with options for various packaging sizes, including 500ml and 750ml bottles and 3-liter or 5-liter bag-in-box formats. Each package is carefully prepared to maintain freshness during transit.
Why Choose IGP Toscana Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
The IGP Toscana certification is more than a label—it’s a promise of quality, sustainability, and tradition. Our oil reflects the essence of Tuscany, with a rich, fruity flavor profile and a peppery finish that pairs beautifully with your favorite dishes.
Experience the Difference
At Tenuta Le Mandorlaie, every step of the process is guided by passion and respect for the land. When you choose our IGP Toscana Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you’re not just getting a product; you’re becoming part of a tradition that celebrates nature, craftsmanship, and the flavors of Tuscany.
Order Your Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Today
Ready to taste the difference? Visit our online shop to order your bottle of IGP Toscana Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and experience the authentic flavors of Tuscany delivered straight to your door.
Embrace the richness of our land, one drop at a time.
Our Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil IGP Toscana products