The Guide To Extra Virgin Olive Oil In South Africa

21/08/2024

Granted in 1692, is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa. Today it features 5-star accommodation in restored 17thcentury cottages, a garden spa, farm-to-table restaurants, a winery, an olive press, a farm and online shop. Unique to the property is the formal twelve acre fruit and vegetable garden that was inspired by the Company Gardens of the Cape that once provisioned ships passing by the Cape of Good Hope on voyages to and from the East.

To learn more about , visit our website (link in bio).

12/08/2024

is located just 3 km out of Darling towards Yzerfontein, nestled amidst vineyards, grazing cattle, and olive groves. Their 70Ha of olives are grown on dry-land on the Alexanderfontein Estate. The olives are processed within 24 hours of being handpicked, resulting in a superior quality product.

Experience a traditional approach to olives on a working farm where cattle are still herded by horse and a flock of sheep might cross your path. Darling Olives is a great place to start your education about how olives are grown, pressed, and cured.

To learn more about Darling Olives, visit our website (link in bio).

28/07/2024

, situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo, is an olive farm of global acclaim. The honour of being named the “best olive oil in the world” was conferred upon their Estate Collection Single Cultivar Coratina EVOO by connoisseurs and experts in the field. Visitors intrigued by the intricate world of olives, olive oil production, and the journey from tree to bottle are invited to our informative olive tour. Their Karoo half-lambin-a-box is for sale from their tasting room and their restaurant offers culinary creations with enchanting panoramas of their olive groves. Stay over and indulge at their Asher Stable Stay Guesthouse.

To learn more about De Rustica, visit our website (link in bio).

11/07/2024

The Company was established in 2005 with a vision to produce top-quality, 100% South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the highest international standard. The 330-hectare family-owned-and-run olive estate on the banks of the Breede River near Swellendam in the Western Cape is one of the most extensive olive groves in Southern Africa. From our trees to your table, Greenleaf’s olives are carefully grown, nurtured and processed to offer you the best quality EVOO.

To learn more about the Greenleaf Olive Company visit our website (link in bio).

02/07/2024

Home-grown and hand-made olive and fruit products (and wine) make destination of deliciousness. Farming practices are ethical, biological and natural as far as possible and the produce is offered to customers with warm family hospitality and friendly, welltrained staff. The first olive trees were planted in 1998 and today four oil and three table olive cultivars are grown on 4 950 trees. Our Favolosa won Gold in the SA Olive Awards and was voted one of the ABSA Top 10 in 2022. Formal and informal olive oil tastings are available.

To learn more about Hetvlokcasteel, visit our website (linkinbio).

25/06/2024

Established in 1833, is an amalgamation of four adjacent farms, three of which were owned by the celebrated author Wilbur Smith who wrote many of his first novels here. In 2000 Adv Altus Joubert SC bought the farms, planted 10,000 olive trees and with the help of Prof. Ben Farrell, doyen of SA landscape architecture, transformed the farms into a place of tranquility and beauty. Conditions are perfect for growing olives. Besides table olives, the farm produces olive preserves, chutneys, olive spices and soap products made from award winning olive oil.

If you'd like to learn more about Kransfontein, visit our website (link in bio).

14/06/2024

forms part of Two Rivers, a historic farmland dating back to the 1850’s, situated in the Dwars River Valley gateway into Franschhoek.

JM de Buck and Sylva Mannens, Belgium-based entrepreneurs, fell in love with South Africa and in 2015 they bought part of Two Rivers and Lamara was born. Their vision is to develop the land to its full potential and restore it to its historical glory.

Today Lamara achieves ecological, sustainable and social mindfulness farming through the variety of seasonal crops grown; olives, lemons, lavender and rosemary.

To learn more about Lamara, visit our website (link in bio).

11/06/2024

Scenes from the olive festival! Our Guide to Extra Virgin Olive Oil was a hit.

Thanks, Michelle Smith from .paisible for the photos.

To view our guide online, visit our website (link in bio).

03/06/2024

All Extra Virgin Olive Oils are pure, natural oils made from olives grown and processed according to the highest quality and technology standards, consistently guaranteeing a free fatty acid and peroxide value of well below internationally required standards of 0.8% and 20 Meq/Kg.

The Mardouw EVOO Skincare range celebrates the health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for skin, hair and nail care.

To learn more about Mardouw, visit our website (link in bio).

27/05/2024

founder, Giulio Bertrand, is considered as the ‘Father of Olive Oil’ in South Africa as he paved the way for the local olive oil industry as we know it today. In 1994, he imported 17 superior Italian olive varieties, started a wonderful partnership with the Olive Oil Institute in Perugia and planted 42 hectares of olive trees on the farm’s rocky soils. The estate’s first Extra Virgin Olive Oils were released into the market in 1998. Morgenster is renowned for producing balanced, harmonious Extra Virgin Olive Oils with a rich fruity complexity.

To learn more about Morgenster, visit our website (link in bio).

16/05/2024

's Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an award winning blend of cultivars (FS17, Frantoio, Leccino and Coratina) grown, handpicked, pressed and bottled on the private family-owned estate in the Scherpenheuwel Valley outside Worcester.

Nick Wilkinson, owner/producer is a chartered accountant by profession but studied olive oil production under Giorgio Mori (Italy) and at U.C. Davis (USA). With his attention to detail he has been producing award winning oils since 2010, garnering recognition across the globe with top local and international awards including awards from New York, Japan, UAE, Italy and Amsterdam, year after year.

As one of SA’s top producers we are proud to share our consistently delicious oils in personalized on-tap decanters, ensuring freshness till the last drop. The decanter designs may change from harvest to harvest, but that same great taste never fails to please!

RIO LARGO adopts biological farming methods for sustainable agriculture by “putting back more than we take out”, together with overall concern for protecting the environment for future generations. TRY IT - YOU’LL LOVE IT.

07/05/2024

EVOO is the main fat used in the Mediterranean diet – and it is used liberally! The research shows the maximum health benefits come from consuming 2-3 tablespoons everyday.

EVOO is the main fat used in the Mediterranean diet – and it is used liberally! Use it as your main cooking oil, but don’t stop there.

23/04/2024

Riverbend Farm is a second-generation boutique family olive estate, started by Trevor and Kathleen Brodrick in 2005. The Olive Mill is conveniently positioned in the middle of the groves, ready to press the olives within 24 hours of hand-picking at optimal ripeness. The farm has been further developed by Allison and Francis who are passionate about making quality products and keen to accommodate smaller farms in the “Italian co-operative tradition” of producing oil for others too. Visitors are welcome to stay in the self-catering cottages on the banks of the river and (or) enjoy a tasting and tour by Allison.

12/04/2024

.paisible – Peaceful Land – is located at the gateway to the Franschhoek Valley with awe-inspiring views of the Simonsberg mountains. Their rich soils and mature olive groves combine to give us complex and textured oils that have been developed through patience, time and careful attention.

They sustainably farm five different Italian olive varieties: Favolosa, Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina and Delicata. Each variety is hand-harvested and cold-pressed to preserve the natural antioxidants, oleic and linoleic acids, which all contribute to your health and longevity. Olive varietals, like grapes, each have their own unique flavour and by combining these flavours we have crafted three styles to enhance all your favourite recipes.

Like their range of distinctive boutique premium wines, their oils are crafted to celebrate the natural excellence of their valley.

10/04/2024

Join for an introductory course on olive oil, presented by Louise Rabie, covering basic knowledge and understanding of this liquid gold.

DATE: 15 May 9.30am-13.00pm at . Contact [email protected] to book.

This course is recommended for individuals pursuing a career in the olive industry at all levels, sales representatives, retailers, ambassadors, and beginner olive enthusiasts.

Course Programme:
🫒Brief history of olive in South Africa.
🫒Global producing countries of olive oil.
🫒What is the current size of the industry?
🫒The various regions in the Western Cape that is olive producing regions.
🫒The current global challenges facing olive oil driving demand and supply.
🫒From the Grove to Liquid Gold.
🫒Various classifications of olives.
🫒Attributes and descriptives of olive oil.
🫒Organoleptic Assessment of olive oil.

What the course includes:

🌿Presentations
🌿Material
🌿Light lunch
🌿Networking opportunities with industry leaders
🌿SA Olive Certificate for Attendance

Anyone is welcome to attend this course and NO Prerequisite is required.

03/04/2024

Throughout the classical wine-producing regions of the world, there is a natural association between the olive grove and the vineyard. At , this celebrated relationship continues. Visitors are invited to a unique olive oil tasting and learning experience and a glimpse into how their award winning Extra Virgin Olive Oils are produced.

28/03/2024

The 2024 olive harvest is now in full swing and producers are looking positive after a good winter last year. Mardouw's GM, Philip King, says the harvest looks 30 - 40% higher than last year and the quality of the olives is good.

Now is the time to visit an olive farm and taste freshly extracted olive juice - Extra Virgin Olive Oil!

Good pickings and happy harvest to all our Producers!

27/03/2024

The Dotoli family have been involved with producing Extra Virgin Olive Oil for generations in the best Italian tradition on their estates on the slopes of the Vesuvio Volcano in Naples, Italy.

In 2008, Antonio (third generation Dotoli) took over the business, gaining invaluable experience by visiting olive estates across the globe learning the best techniques and methods. His experience and the assistance of a professional Italian agronomist and master oil maker, combines the best of both worlds on this South African farm.

The secret of Vesuvio is the passion, pride and expertise spanning generations of oil makers ensuring only the finest award winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil reaches the tables of their consumers.

21/03/2024

A sneak peak of the .paisible table at the olive festival last weekend. Featured is our 2024 EVOOSA Guide.

19/03/2024

27/02/2024

Join us for a morning of delicious learning at Tokara’s Delicatessen () on 7 March at 10:00, followed by lunch.

R1 900 pp – includes all tastings, lunch & wine.

RSVP: [email protected]. or 082 775 8843 by 1 March 2024.

Cheers! 🍷

14/02/2024

Happy Valentine's Day to all the Extra Virgin Lovers out there! 💚

Keep it fresh and flavoursome with world class South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Go to our website for a guide to our country's finest:
www.evoosa.co.za

30/01/2024

South Africa produces some of the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) in the world and we want everyone to know about it.

Like wine, EVOO (pronounced ee-voo) is influenced by cultivar, terroir, climate and the maker. It is a gift of nature that needs to be nurtured in the groves and through the processes of harvesting, extraction and storage. It is more than a commodity, it is a product of passion.

Have a look at our new 2024 Guide online (link in bio) or pick up your free hard copy at selected flagship Woolworths or your favourite producer.

12/01/2024

We're excited to announce that the 2024 printed edition of the Guide to Extra Virgin Olive Oil in South Africa (EVOOSA) is currently in distribution!

Every year, we print 10,000 booklets and give them away free through retail outlets, participating producers and other relevant locations. Did you manage to get your hands on one? If not, no problem, the website contains all the info of the printed guide in a fully responsive online format, so you can browse it from anywhere. In fact, more than half of our visitors browse on their phones. Try it now! Link in bio.

18/12/2023

Panzanella salad with meatballs and chopped olive and tomato dressing and puff pastry tiramisu by Chef Mynardt with .

Panzanella Salad – a delicious concoction of olive oil fried bread, tomatoes, greens, cheese, and just loads of summery deliciousness! This Mediterranean beauty is a perfect fit for the season of family.

Head on over to our website to view this recipe and more!

Enjoy!

13/12/2023

13/12/2023

13/12/2023

Here’s something a little adventurous and fun to try this Christmas - Olive Festive Bread Rings by The Little Hedonist.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup chopped and destoned table olives.
200ml full cream milk
1 packet dry yeast
1 tsp caster sugar
100g butter
2 eggs, at room temperature
500g all-purpose flour
pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp sesame seeds

METHOD
• Heat half of the milk to lukewarm using a microwave or the stove. Whisk in the yeast and sugar. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest until it gets foamy, about 10 min.
• In another bowl, melt the butter and the other half of the milk just until the butter has melted. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Mix the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast, the butter mixture and the eggs.
• Knead the dough. Tip it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 min, until you have a smooth dough that bounces back when pressed with a finger. Lightly oil a clean mixing bowl, put the dough in it, and cover the bowl with a damp dish towel. Leave to rise until doubled in size, around 90mins in a warm place.
• Chop the olives roughly.
• Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Lightly oil your work surface. Punch the dough down to remove the air.
• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
• Shape the olive rolls. Working with 1 ball at a time, roll the dough into a rough rectangle. Evenly spread 1 tbsp of chopped olives over the dough but leave a margin along the edges.
• Tightly roll up the dough starting with one of the longer edges. Roll each of these using the palms of your hands into ropes. Twist the rope and pinch the ends together at the top to join them.
• Place the olive roll on the baking sheet and repeat the process with the other balls.
• Cover the olive rolls with a damp dish towel and leave them to rise for 45 min in a warm place.
• Bake the olive rolls. Preheat the oven to 180C. Make the egg wash by mixing together the egg yolk, 1 tsp of milk and ½ tsp of salt.
• Delicately brush the olive rolls and sprinkle the seeds on top. Place the baking sheet on the middle shelf of the oven.
• Bake the olive rolls for about 20min, until risen and golden brown. Wait for 5 min before transferring them to a cooling rack.

27/11/2023

The aim of World Olive Tree Day is to encourage the protection of the olive tree and the values it embodies, in order to appreciate its important social, cultural, economic and environmental significance to humanity.

Since ancient times, it has symbolised peace, wisdom and harmony and as such is important not just to the countries where these noble trees grow, but to people and communities around the world.

24/11/2023

Once again, our South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil producers are making us proud, scooping up prestigious awards around the world!

Congratulations! 🏆🇿🇦💪💚

Benedetta Zichella Lami of SA Olive Industry Association
De Rustica Olive Estate
Andante Olive Oil

And a special congratulations to Mardouw Olive Estate, for winning "Best EVOO in the Southern Hemisphere" (for achieving the most points in the competition)!!👏👏👏