Olive oil is a liquid that is obtained by mechanical or chemical processes.
Mechanical processes were used in ancient times while the new chemical processes depend from country to country or region to region.

Let us explain the mechanical process as it is still the most used one, especially in the Mediterranean.

The mechanical process includes grinding the olives through a massive mill stones or steel drums.

During the process of grinding which optimal time is 30 – 40 minutes, the olives become a paste.

The process of grinding shouldn’t be less than 30 minutes or over 40 minutes. It is essential to grind the olives for this time period as if they are removed too early or too late, the oil will not have all the best qualities.

When the process of grinding is over, it is still not oil. The olives become a paste in this step which is then distributed on fiber disks one on top of each other and placed into a press.

The press is used to squeeze the liquid from the paste.

After the pressing, this liquid still contains water so it is centrifuged to separate water and oil, and voila- perfect dense and aromatic olive oil is made!

This liquid gold has many benefits which are not just in food but in cosmetics as well.

Olive oil is especially rich in antioxidants:

1. which are helping to reduce the risk of chronic illness,
2. inflammation and
3. reducing blood cholesterol

Antioxidants that can be found in olive oil are especially found in extra virgin olive oil which is why this specific oil is used in dishes such as salads and pasta.

Inflammation reduction is one of the benefits of olive oil as chronic inflammation is considered one of the main reasons for forming some sort of serious illnesses such as cancer.

Food experts agree on one thing- olive oil reduces high blood pressure, improves features of the metabolic system, and increases the “good” cholesterol.

Scientists have recently discovered that antioxidants from olive oil can also help in the fight for multiple sclerosis. So there are even more benefits for the olive oil that has still yet to be discovered.

Except for food, olive oil or its extracts are often used in cosmetics. Because of its nourishing effect it can be found in soaps, creams, lotions, and shampoos.

Special tip for the ladies:
Mix a spoon of olive oil with half of a spoon of sugar, rinse your face with warm water, scrub your face with the mixture and rinse it off with cold water. You will get free of charge cleaning and your face will be thankful for it!
Repeat the process once or two times a week, depending on your skin.

Olive oil in Croatia is a golden standard on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
By the golden standard we mean -everywhere you go you will be welcomed with fresh, organic, and local olive oil.
From Istria to Dalmacija (Dalmatia), you will find olive trees, olive oil, and locals that say- Try it with our cheese and prosciutto.
Surely there is no better way to blend the oil than with some home prosciutto and hard cheese. Can you already imagine it?

So, when you discover your best villa in Croatia you can start by planning your checklist of things you need to try in Croatia, olive oil being in the top five, of course.

Special tip:
If you are deciding on an Istrian villa be sure to leave your calendar open to go to the Museum of olive oil in Pula. Here you can find out about the history of olive oil, how it was made then and how it is made now, the texture of the oil smells, tasting, and many more.