Early Harvest Cold Pressed Olive Oil 500 ml

Early harvest olive oil is a type of olive oil obtained by picking olives before they are fully ripe, usually when they are green. This oil yields less oil due to the early harvest of olives, but it has a more intense aroma and flavor profile. Here are the characteristics of early harvest olive oil, its production phase and areas of use:

Characteristics of Early Harvest Olive Oil:
1. *Color:* It may have greenish tones because the olives are not fully ripe.
2. *Aroma:* It has a sharp, fresh and fruity smell. It may contain aromas such as grass, almond, artichoke or green apple.
3. *Flavor:* It has a slightly bitter and burning taste. This is due to the high levels of polyphenols it contains.
4. *Acidity:* It usually has a low acidity rate (0.8% or less), which makes it a high-quality oil.
5. *Antioxidants:* Due to its high polyphenol content, its antioxidant properties are quite high.
6. *Nutritional Value:* Early harvest olive oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin K and healthy fatty acids.

Production Stage:
1. *Collection:* Olives are collected before they are fully ripe, usually in September-October. Hand picking or shaking branch picking methods are used.
2. *Cleaning:* Collected olives are cleaned of leaves, branches and other foreign materials.
3. *Crushing and Kneading:* Olives are crushed and turned into pulp. Temperature control is important at this stage; if it is done with the cold pressing method (below 27°C), the quality of the oil is preserved.
4. *Pressing:* Olive pulp is pressed and oil is extracted.
5. *Filtration:* The oil is cleared of sediment and particles.
6. *Storage:* It is stored in light and airtight containers, thus preserving its freshness.

Areas of Use:
1. *Raw Consumption:* Ideal for salads, appetizers or dipping bread. Its sharp aroma adds a special flavor to meals.
2. *Cold Dishes:* Can be used in pesto, hummus or sauces.
3. *Health Purposes:* Can be consumed directly due to its antioxidant properties.
4. *Skin Care:* Can be applied to the skin as a natural moisturizer.
5. *For Gourmets:* Preferred in gourmet cuisine due to its high quality and special aroma.

Storage Conditions:
– It should be stored in a cool place, away from light and heat.
– It is recommended to store it in airtight dark glass bottles.
– Its shelf life is shorter than other olive oils, so it is important to consume it fresh.

Early harvest olive oil is a special product in terms of both taste and health. However, since its production cost is high, its price is more expensive than other olive oils.