We got involved with olive pressing at the annual celebration of the Harvest Tour & Lunch at Simunovich Olive Estate today as we picked olives for the ‘first press’ – picked, aptly, by members of the press…
We got involved with olive pressing at the annual celebration of the Harvest Tour & Lunch at Simunovich Olive Estate today as we picked olives for the ‘first press’ – picked, aptly, by members of the press (and of course online media including Thread but I couldn’t not use that pun.)
Our participation was part of a special public day where we experienced first hand the harvesting, pressing, and processing of Simunovich Estate olives into the award winning ‘first press’ extra virgin olive oil.
We walked up the gentle slope picking olives in our buckets.
I got quite competitive, and got the most olives, even scaling a hill like a blond mountain goat to get them (on hill, below far left.)
We arrived at the factory to see first-hand how the oil is made. It’s the largest and most modern olive press in New Zealand and is very impressive to see working.
Below: we get to taste the finished product.
It’s a closed system so no air gets in, and is cold pressed, meaning what they press out is what they get; no heating it to get more out which is cost-effective but compromises the quality.
Below: the ‘first press’ extra virgin olive oil. This is placed in a bag to hide it from light, as clear bottles of oil left in the light will deteriorate, so store your olive oil in a dark place at home.
After checking out Bracu restaurant’s renovations in progress, we meandered down to the Bracu Pavilion, where weddings and events are held, for a two-course ‘rustic lunch’ prepared by Bracu Head Chef, Mikey Newlands.
These pickled warm olives are the best I have ever etaen in my life. Carolyn Enting of Mindfood, sitting next to me, went on the record too saying these are the best in her life. They are simply amazing. I can’t wait until we can buy them retail to take home.
Delicious pork with crackling on white beans and winter vegetables.
Simunovich Olive Estate
49 Main Rd
Bombay, Auckland
Megan Robinson 14 July 2012
Photos Kevin Robinson
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