The olive harvest in Tuscany takes place between mid-October and early December, although the specific period varies based on climate, altitude, and olive variety. This time of year coincides with the so-called invaiatura, when the olives begin to change color from green to purple, signaling a high concentration of polyphenols and superior oil quality.
Several factors may affect the harvest date:
- Climate: Temperatures and rainfall influence olive ripening and the success of the harvest.
- Altitude: Lower areas tend to ripen earlier than higher areas.
- Olive Varieties: Different olive varieties ripen at different times.
How Olives Are Harvested
Brucatura: This is the most traditional technique, where the olives are hand-picked from the trees. This method is the most delicate for the olives and for the plant.
Bacchiatura (Beating): This method uses poles to drop the olives onto nets, a more efficient method, which, however, requires a certain experience in order not to damage the olives.
Mechanized Harvesting: Less common in Tuscany, especially in hilly areas, due to the risk of damaging the olive trees and soil.
It is essential to transport the olives to the mill as quickly as possible after harvest to preserve their freshness and quality.
How Olives Are Pressed
Olives are transformed into oil through five main stages: washing to remove impurities; pressing to crush the olives into a paste; malaxation to break the emulsion between oil and water; extraction by centrifugation or pressure to separate the oil, water, and pomace; and finally, separation and filtration to obtain pure, clear oil.
Harvest Experiences
The harvest experience is a traditional and social event in Tuscany. Many local farms offer the opportunity to participate in the harvest. A local farmer explains harvesting techniques, and the experience often ends with a lunch featuring typical products and a tasting of the new oil (and possibly the new wine!).
If you’re in Tuscany during harvest season, we highly recommend that you experience firsthand this centuries-old tradition. Ask us to arrange!
