OLIVE OIL FROM ANDALUCIA

The Olive tree has been since ancient times one of the finest examples of a tree to be fully recycled. The wood, the leaves, the fruit and the actual extract itself. Andalucia has one of the most important olive crops in the world and produces 20% of the world's production.
The harvesting of the olives around December is a very arduous task as they have to be beaten from the trees. They are then taken to the oil mill where they are selected, washed, drained and then crushed complete with the stones. The paste obtained contains little droplets of oil and this is separated from the mixture by spinning and is completely void of chemicals or heat. At this stage a chemical control takes place to find the level of acidity so that the quality of the oil can be determined.

The remaining paste is then pressed two or three times more to extract all the oil. The varying qualities of the oil are slightly more acidic until the 'orujo' is extracted. This product cannot technically be considered olive oil due to certain health reasons, even though it originates from the same fruit. This is due to the fact that dissolvents are used in its extraction whereas olive oil receives no other treatment other than washing, pressing, spinning and filtering.

There are four qualities of olive oil, extra virgin, virgin, olive oil and the oruja of olive oil. The finest extra virgin oil should be treated like a good wine and consumed within the first year.
Olive oil is a fundamental part of the Spanish diet and it is a completely natural product and far superior to other oils.

Olive oil is an excellent source of energy and is easily digested. It helps in the reduction of gastric acid and in the healing of stomach ulcers. Other properties are that it aids digestion, relieves constipation and is beneficial to the liver, gall bladder and the pancreas. Olive oil also reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood and contains anti-oxidants such as vitamins A,D,E, and K. It also strengthens the bones and enhances the skin and assists in the absorption of calcium and other minerals into the body thus stimulating growth.

Olive oil is for sale in all small grocer shops and supermarkets. You will find a great variety of presentation bottles many of these making terrific gifts.

THE TAPAS EXPERIENCE

Tapas originate from Andalucia. The word 'tapa' means 'cover'. In the wine making regions a saucer is customarily placed to cover a glass of wine in order to keep the little fruit flies away. Many years ago the owners of the bars would place small amounts of food on top of these saucers in order to attract the customers.

If you walk into a Spanish tapas bar the first thing that hits you is the variety of the different tapas on display: pickles, cheeses and hams, omelettes, baby earthenware casseroles with sizzling hot dishes and elegant mayonnaise-topped mouthfuls. This is the chance to try so many different flavours.

Originally a mouthful of food included in the bar-price a fino, wine or small beer as a tapa is designed to accompany a drink and good conversation. In many old bodegas and bars, especially in the barrio areas of villages this is still the case, but in the larger commercial bars you will be charged separately.

A journalist once quoted 'The tapa, created in an age less obsessed with productivity, is a trick for spinning out your drinks without getting drunk'. And whether thirst provoking or absorbent, they should be easy to eat so as not to interrupt the conversation.

'Tapa-hopping' is part of the Andalucian way of life. With a few friends you can stop in at several bars to have a glass of wine and sample the specialities of each. It's also customary to stand up at the bar, where possible and to select your various tapas.

You will find a great selection of the olives of the region together with home marinated ones in garlic, herbs and olive oil. You will be surrounded by a fantastic selection of hams, either 'Serrano' mountain cured or 'Iberico' which is produced from special Andalucian pigs who grow sweet on acorns.

Amongst the cold dishes on the tapa bar you will also see the famous Manchego cheese preserved in olive oil and a variety of salads.

Many of the hot dishes such as prawns pil-pil and garlic grilled pork are cooked to order, but do not worry they never take long. You will also see stew pots which contain delights such as meatballs or lamb stew. Andalucia is famous for its fish and shellfish and a tapas bar is a great place to sample many new flavours.

Even if you only indulge in a glass of wine and tortilla (a thick round potato omelette) you will definitely have gained from the 'Tapas Experience'.

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