The Journey of Yialós Extra Virgin Olive Oil: From Farm to Table

Explore the timeline and steps involved in bringing our olive oil from our farm to your table

1. Year-Round Care

Producing extra virgin olive oil requires year-round dedication and meticulous care. To achieve the less than 0.8% acidity level that defines extra virgin quality, we carefully tend to our olives without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. This commitment ensures that every olive is nurtured to perfection, resulting in a superior product.

2. Harvesting the Olives

When harvest season arrives, our small family farm gathers a close-knit team of family and friends to help collect the olives. Over the course of 1-2 weeks, we collect each olive, avoiding heavy machinery to ensure we maintain the quality and integrity of our crop. Although harvesting is a very labor intensive process, we look forward to this yearly tradition. It not only strengthens our family bonds but also preserves the authentic taste of our olives.

3. Cold Pressing

Immediately after harvesting, our olives are transported to a local press just a short drive away. Here, they undergo cold pressing, a crucial step that preserves their rich flavor and quality. This prompt processing is essential in capturing the vibrant essence of our olives, ensuring that every drop of our oil reflects the care and attention we invest in our farming.

4. Bottling in Athens

Once pressed, our olive oil makes its way to Athens, about 1.5 hours from our farm, to a trusted bottler who has also become a dear friend. Here, the oil is bottled and sealed, preparing for its journey to the United States. After filling and prepping, the bottles are transported to the Port of Piraeus, ready to embark on a long journey overseas.

5. Transatlantic Journey

The journey across the Atlantic takes about 1-2 months. Our bottles travel from the Port of Piraeus (in Athens) to the Port of Chicago, where they undergo customs inspections and FDA clearance, ensuring that they meet all regulations and standards for quality.

6. Fulfillment and Delivery

Once cleared, our olive oil is transported to our California warehouse and fulfillment center where it is stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Here, it is prepped, packaged, and shipped safely to customers across the United States. We take pride in ensuring that each bottle arrives in perfect condition, ready to elevate your culinary creations.

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By following this timeline, we hope you can truly appreciate the dedication, tradition, and care that goes into every bottle of Yialós. Each step of our process—from the meticulous cultivation of our olives to the careful harvesting, pressing, and bottling—reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Understanding this journey is vital for our current and future customers. It highlights the integrity of our product and the authentic methods we employ, distinguishing Yialós Olive Oil from mass-produced alternatives. You’re not just purchasing olive oil; you’re supporting a family-run farm that values traditional practices over shortcuts.

When you know the effort and love behind each bottle, you can feel confident in your choice to invest in high-quality, sustainably produced ingredients. It’s about more than just flavor; it’s about supporting a way of life that prioritizes health, the environment, and community connections.

Thank you for supporting our small family farm! For us, it is about stewardship of our ancestral olive trees and a celebration of our Greek heritage. Together, we’re preserving time-honored traditions and enjoying the rich, flavorful results that come from true craftsmanship.

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