Olive Lexicon
The olive tree has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the region’s landscapes, culture and culinary traditions. But what makes an exceptional extra virgin olive oil? Which olive varieties are grown in Portugal and around the world? How does an olive tree grow and produce fruit, and how can you recognise the quality, flavour and characteristics of a good olive oil?
The Origem Portugal Olive Encyclopedia is your guide to the fascinating world of olives, olive trees and olive oil. Discover olive varieties, cultivation and harvesting methods, learn how extra virgin olive oil is produced, and explore the factors that shape its flavour, aroma and quality. Clearly explained and continuously expanded, our Olive Encyclopedia brings together practical knowledge and fascinating insights into the history, traditions and diversity of olives and olive oil.
Thinning
Thinning involves cutting off some of the unripe olive branches in order to improve quality and ensure that the tree receives sufficient light and air.
Transparency
Transparency in the case of extra virgin olive oil from small-scale regional production means above all that you should be able to trace as clearly as possible who produced the oil, where the olives were grown and how they were processed. This is precisely what distinguishes artisanal producers from anonymous mass-produced goods.
To this end, additional information must be provided, such as:
- Name of the olive farmer, family business, producer
- Origin of the olives, olive groves if applicable
- Harvest year instead of just best-before date
- Information on processing (cold pressing/mechanical extraction, information on the mill)
- Chemical laboratory analysis: polyphenol content, acidity, K232 / K270, peroxide value
Tree pruning
Regular pruning promotes yield, health and light penetration. Traditionally, olive trees are kept ‘airy’. We prefer to prune trees in spring, as this is the most favourable time of year for the tree in terms of weather conditions, allowing it to generate energy properly.