On Tuesday 29th a number of our clients joined us on our first field visit of 2011. At Fino we strongly believe in developing links between our clients and food producers. I think that our enjoyment of food is greatly enhanced by understanding a little of the environment and the skill and dedication of it's producers.
We travelled out to the South Burnett Agricultural Company, around 3 hours drive north west of Brisbane. The South Burnett Agricultural Company grows and processes olives and is owned by the Heading family. The Headings have farmed in the area for over 100 years and through three generations. The family owns diverse agricultural interests including Clovely Estate Wines.
The olive grove was established in 2000. It has over 36,000 trees and produces both table olives and olive oil.
Luke Fitzpatrick is the CEO of Clovely Estate and The South Burnett Agricultural Company and was our guide. Luke studied wine making at Charles Sturt University and has worked for wineries including Evans & Tate, Sirromet, Villa Maria and Mount Avoca. He oversees all aspects of both wine and olive production. His passion, knowledge and dedication are inspiring.
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| Luke Fitzpatrick discussing the pressing process. |
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| Washing the olives, prior to crushing. |
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| After the olives have been crushed, the olive paste is then pumped into the centrifuge to extract the oil. |
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| The resulting oil is an almost iridescent green, with a powerful fruity nose and taste. |
Luke emphasised the simplicity of the pressing process. The olives were first washed, then pulverised in to a thick paste. The paste is pumped into a centrifuge to extract the oil.
After the tour of the pressing facility we will be moved to the olive grove for a simple lunch of artisan smallgoods from Quattro Stelle, and
Car
rasco
.
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| Lunch in the grove overlooking the very full dam, thanks to the recent flooding rains. |
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| A simple lunch of artisan smallgoods, cheese and of course olive oil. |
It was a very enjoyable day which reminded me that behind each of our products there is a dedicated professional, a wealth of knowledge and a whole heap of passion.
Click here to see the resulting EVOO.
