We do not filter the oil; instead we use a natural gravity separation which takes approximately six weeks.The oil is stored in stainless steel containers during the separation process. Once the oil has cleared it’s ready to be bottled.
On September 29th 2006, The Villa Barone received Organic Certification for its olive growing operation from the California Certified Organic Farmers. Keeping in line with the company charter of providing the purest and finest products, the certification is another step in the goal of making the worlds finest Extra Virgin Olive Oil. While the fruit has been grown using organic methods since its inception, the certification means we have demonstrated that we meet the goals of the USDA National Organic Plan and have an ongoing process and plan to sustain this activity. What this means to the consumer is that Villa Barone grown fruit has no pesticides, herbicides, or processed fertilizers. Our trees receive sunlight, water and several feedings a year of organically certified compost. We also use organically certified ground cover crops to augment fertilization, improve soil tilth and control erosion.
More important news on olive processing to be announced soon....
The trees were planted on virgin (never farmed) soil. Each year the soil is treated with an organic grass seed mixture to give the orchard a “green manure” treatment. This specially formulated mix naturally adds nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil as well as tilth to improve the soil texture.
We are members of the California Olive Oil Council as well as members of the California Farm Bureau.
The Villa Barone has won medals, Gold and Silver at the LA County Fair, every year since it entered the competition in 2001. Our 2005 Mission Olive Oil entry won a Silver medal in the LA fair.
A little about soapmaking:
We use the cold processing method to make soap. This means once the fats and oils are liquefied no additional heat is added to complete the process. The reaction that creates the soap supplies the heat necessary to complete the process.
Soap is made by converting fats (in our case vegetable fats and oils, we never use animal fats) in the presence of a sodium hydroxide solution. The fats and the oils are consumed along with the sodium hydroxide and the soap is created. All of our soaps are formulated with 9% more fat than required to consume all the sodium hydroxide. This process known as super fatting assures that all the sodium hydroxide is consumed. The excess fat or oil also gives the soap a creamier texture.