Cultivation
The production area of the olives intended for extra virgin olive oil production includes the territory of Militello in Val di Catania and the neighboring municipalities. Our olive groves, consisting of centuries-old trees and recently built facilities are managed by combining tradition and innovation, to quality protection and food security, while respecting the environment. The cultivation, carried out with the organic method, takes place with agronomic techniques handed down from father to son and improved over time through research and innovation.
Harvesting
The harvesting of olives for extra virgin olive oil production takes place in a period from the beginning of October to end of November. It takes place exclusively with the collection of the olives on the tree with the aid of large ground net to hold the olives. Subsequently, after the separation of the leaves and also of non-compliant drupes, the olives are placed in plastic food boxes, stored in a cool, ventilated and pressed within 48 hours of harvesting.
Milling
Before milling the olives must be subjected to a process of defoliation and washing at room temperature . The milling process is performed at the Di Giorgi mill , member of the brand “L’Oro del Principe” and associated A.I.F.O. (Italian Association Oil Millers) Sicily using a continuous flow system at a controlled temperature.
Storage
The extracted oil is collected in stainless steel silos to rest and decant completely naturally small solid particles present. After this period of clarification, which lasts about one month, the oil is separated from the sludge and decanted in steel silos in a nitrogen atmosphere in order to preserve the chemical and organoleptic characteristics. Following the packaging step for the selling. All these steps take place in local rooms adjacent to the mill in order to protect the product from light and keep at a controlled temperature.
Bottling
It has always been treated with the utmost attention the bottling stage, as the bottles and cans must fully preserve the quality of the oil, while maintaining its freshness and flavor characteristics. The oil is packaged ready for sale, in stores mentioned above, in different formats and sizes. The bottling takes place in dark glass bottles or tin, away from light and heat sources and labeled with the registered trademark “L’Oro del Principe” consists of a logo depicting a tower and an arch that reproduces the remains of the castle Branciforte of Militello in Val di Catania.
Labeling
The label shows all the essential information to make fully informed the consumer of all the characteristics of extra virgin olive oil. The importance of the correct reading the label of foodstuffs is an essential requirement to make a healthy food choice, correct and conscious. The label on the one hand allows companies to present their products, emphasizing the qualitative aspects and the price / quality ratio, and on the other side is the most important source of information for consumers.