Olive oil production in Mallorca
Olive oil production on Mallorca has a long and rich history dating back to Roman times. The Romans were the first to bring the art of olive oil production to the island. Over the centuries, the production of olive oil developed into an important industry on Mallorca.
In the Middle Ages, the island experienced an agricultural boom and the olive groves were an essential part of this development. Mallorcan olive oil was even exported beyond the island's borders and gained a reputation for its quality.
Modern olive oil production in Mallorca
Today, olive oil production in Mallorca is still of great importance and the island is proud of its traditional cultivation methods. One of the most important seals of quality for Mallorcan olive oil is the "Oli de Mallorca" (Oil of Mallorca) certificate. This seal of quality guarantees that the oil has been produced on the island and meets strict quality standards.
Modern production methods have evolved over time, but the appreciation for the old traditions has remained. The olives are harvested by hand or by machine to ensure that only the best fruit reaches the oil mills. The harvest period runs from October to January and the freshly picked olives are immediately taken to the press.
The quality of the oil depends heavily on the olive variety. In Mallorca, the "Mallorquina", "Arbequina" and "Picual" varieties are mainly cultivated, which give the oil its characteristic taste and aroma. After pressing, the oil is stored in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and aromas.
Technology has also found its way into production to make the process more efficient. Modern oil mills use hydraulic presses and centrifuges to extract the oil. This allows for gentler extraction and a higher quality end product.
Olive oil production in Mallorca is not only an economic resource, but also an important part of the island's cultural identity. The people of Mallorca are proud of their olive oil and the rich history it brings with it.
The history and modern production methods of Mallorcan olive oil are closely linked and reflect the islanders' attachment to their land and their tradition. The "Oli de Mallorca" certificate is a symbol of quality and authenticity and shows that olive oil production on Mallorca is still thriving and alive.
And if you want to learn more about olive oil here on Mallorca and taste the olive oils, come along on our Olive Oil & Wine Tour Mallorca...
Olive blossom in Mallorca in May 2023
Harvested by machine or by hand -
only fresh olives go into the mill
The fresh olive oil is stored in
large stainless steel tanks until bottling