Q&A for How to Make Olive Oil

If you did it right, it should only take about an hour. The longer it takes, the worse it will be. If it takes longer than a day, start over.

You will need to buy them online or from an olive grove or a food co-op or even grow and harvest the olives. Supermarkets do not sell fresh olives because fresh olives are incredibly bitter and don't appeal to most people.

Absolutely. While not as common as in Mediterranean climates, UK olives can yield oil. Consider factors like variety, climate, and harvest time. Experiment with small batches and enjoy the unique flavor profile of your homegrown olive oil.

You can leave the pits in; they won't alter the taste and can be easily removed later.

You may be using eating olives instead of those meant for oil production. Overripe olives, left on the tree too long, can also lead to lower oil content. Use olives specifically grown for oil, and harvest at the proper ripeness. Consult experts or reliable resources for optimal olive oil production.

Black pitted olives are typically table olives and may not be ideal for oil production. They have a higher water content and less oil compared to olives cultivated specifically for oil. While you can try using them, the yield and quality of the oil may not be as high. If you decide to use them, be sure they are fully ripe and proceed with the extraction process, keeping in mind the potential differences in yield and quality.

The thick paste might be due to insufficient extraction, excess moisture, or impurities in the mixture. While not suitable for culinary use, you can possibly repurpose it for making soap, provided it's free of contaminants. Consult experts or reliable resources for safety and quality assurance in olive oil production techniques.

To make olive oil at home, harvest ripe olives, clean them, crush them into a paste, press the paste to extract the oil, separate the oil from water and solids, and store it properly.

Some people enjoy the process of making their own olive oil as a hobby or as a way to connect with the food they consume. Additionally, homemade olive oil can have a unique flavor and freshness that may differ from store-bought options. Ultimately, whether you make or buy olive oil depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

The time it takes for homemade olive oil to be ready depends on the extraction method and settling process. After pressing the olives, you need to wait for the oil to separate from water or solids, which can take a few hours to a few days. Once impurities have settled, you can decant or filter the oil. The entire process may take several days to a week or more.

Yes, you can use a wine or cider press for olive oil extraction, although it's not the most common method. These presses are typically designed for fruits, but they can also press olives. However, olive oil extraction usually requires higher pressures and different techniques compared to fruit juices. If you use a wine or cider press, ensure it's cleaned and sanitized, and be aware of potential differences in extraction efficiency compared to traditional olive oil presses.

Yes, you can make olive oil from the olives harvested from your tree in the garden. It's a rewarding process that allows you to produce your own fresh olive oil. You'll need to harvest ripe olives, clean them, crush them to extract the oil, and then separate the oil from water and solids. While it may require some equipment and effort, it's definitely possible to make olive oil at home from your own tree.

It can be challenging to find olive seeds locally, as olives are not native to the region. However, you might find them through online seed suppliers or agricultural suppliers that import seeds from other countries. You could also contact local agricultural research institutions or universities for guidance on sourcing olive seeds.