Oil and flower processing discussed at garden club meeting
Come on down and tour the Olive Mill during the Kelseyville Olive Festival, hosted by the Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill, Gaddy Lane, Kelseyville, Sunday, April 26.
KELSEYVILLE >> At a recent Trowel & Trellis Garden Club meeting, Mill Master Emilio De La Cruz, of Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill, provided an informative and lively discussion on olive oil processing. Cruz has been in the olive business for 16 years, and oversees 15 acres of olive trees at the Chacewater Winery in Kelseyville, He oversees the processing of more than 200 tons of olive oil each year.
Chacewater has three oils derived from its certified organic orchard: Sevilllano, Mission and Allegra. Cruz explained how the olives are processed, which included how long it takes and how much oil is derived from 500 lbs of olives. He also pointed out how healthy it is to use extra virgin olive oil in your diet. It has polyphenols that are extremely strong antioxidants that furnish the immune system and protects us from diseases.
There is also a distinct taste difference of the olive oils depending on what month they are processed. The olives processed in October are more pungent then the olives processed in December. The extra virgin oil is the best to use, as it retains the properties in the olives. The members also found out that Chacewater
will process your olives into oil by making an appointment and bringing them to the mill. Cruz said it was best to bring them in the same day that you harvest. Cruz provided the members with handouts and extra virgin olive oil products.
Come on down and tour the Olive Mill during the Kelseyville Olive Festival, hosted by the Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill, Gaddy Lane, Kelseyville, Sunday, April 26.
Our club welcomes new members and information can be found by visiting www.clttgc.org. For more information call Debra 707 263-0889. The CLT&TGC is a member of the Mendo-Lake District of the California Garden Club, Inc.-Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs, Inc.