Portuguese olive oil

Olive oil production techniques in Portugal

Olive oil is obtained by means of extracting it from the fruits of the olive plant and is the most favored among the various kinds of vegetable oils that are available. This is because olive oil contains huge proportions of polyphenols and monounsaturated fats like oleic acids and these are substances are very beneficial. They provide several health benefits like in preventing against heart diseases and lowering blood pressure and are also used as laxatives. Also they are used as components in cooking, cosmetics, fuels for lighting oil lamps and various other purposes. The cultivation and extraction of olive oil from the fruits after harvesting is a long, tedious and laborious process and requires extra care. So in such cases, the kinds of production techniques employed are very vital.

It has been found that in Portugal the various ecological factors have immensely aided the cultivation of olive oil plantations. There are several significant factors related to olive oil production in Portugal which have come to the forefront. It is seen that most of the olive growing areas, accounting for about 99.8% are located in the eastern part of Portugal. The main reason behind this is the fact that these eastern regions are more or less free of the common pests like the olive flies and vice versa which attack the olive plant and therefore the olive groves in these regions remain free from the use of insecticides or pesticides therefore attaining natural growth. In the absence of insects and pests and diseases, the only factors influencing production are the geographical factors i.e. the climate and weather conditions. And it is known that the Mediterranean climate of these regions facilitate olive production and cultivation. Organic fertilizers are usually used by the olive growers from within their own farms. However at times soil erosion can pose a problem.