Yesterday I visited a local olive oil factory located in Sant’Agnello, right on the hills of Sorrento. The Gargiulo family mill has been situated in this location for over a century and they specialize in the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil. Not just any extra virgin olive but dozens of varieties including Syrrentum, a delicately flavored oil, D.O.P. Peninsola Sorrentina, an organic olive oil, lemon and orange flavored oils, and dozens of infused oils (my favorite being the mint-infused oil which I can’t wait to try on lamb chops!). Suggestions for using the lemon and orange flavored oils include using the oils in pastries such as cakes and muffins instead of butter, combining orange oil with balsamic vinegar for a nice salad dressing, or topping a fresh caprese salad with lemon-scented oil instead of regular olive oil.
Old Olive Press
Extra virgin olive oil is grown in many regions of Italy, but there are distinct differences in the olive gardens located here in Sorrento, the Campania region of Italy. First of all, olive gardens in this area not only contain olive trees, but other trees including lemon, orange, cherry, and fig; this combination of trees give the soil, and in turn, the olives that grown on this land, a fruitier taste overall. Secondly, the olive trees in this region are taller than in other regions and because the gardens are multi-level in their topography, no machinery can be used in the harvesting of the olives themselves; all of the harvesting is done by hand. Harvest season begins in September and continues on through January. This is the prime time of year to pick the young green olives that are then processed and in no time, become the delectable oils that this family-run mill produces and sells.
Fruit Trees
Olive Trees
An educational and breathtaking experience that of course, ended with a tasting. Baskets of lovely cubes of freshly baked bread to dip into a variety of their family made oils. Just the taste you need before you are set free to browse in their lovely shop of products; not only oils, but local wines, aged balsamic vinegar, regional liqueurs, dried pastas, and jarred vegetables.
Current Olive Oil Factory
Lemon-Scented Olive Oil
Collection of Infused-Oils
Tagged: culinary school, externship, extra virgin olive oil, Frantoio Gargiulo, Italy, Mami Camilla cooking school, olive oil, Sorrento, tour
Looks fabulous!
It was so gorgeous. Olive and fruit trees studding the side of the cliff, overlooking the bay of Naples…and Capri! Interesting process ‘to learn’ about…and ‘to taste’ all about!