Our Story
The Journey of Olibano
WHO WE ARE
“Olibano was born out of a profound passion for nature and the rich history of Lebanon's ancient olive trees.”
Our founder grew up in the heart of Koura, Lebanon, surrounded by the time-honored olive trees that have shaped the region for thousands of years. Inspired by their resilience and the captivating flavors of organic olive oil, the founder and family set out on a journey to share this unique taste experience with the world.
WHERE WE COME FROM
“Koura, a blessed land nestled in North Lebanon, is home to an ideal microclimate that fosters the growth of exceptional olive trees.”
These ancient trees, many over 2000 years old, have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations and stood the test of time. With deep roots in this remarkable region, Olibano proudly embodies the spirit of Lebanon and its time-honored olive oil-making traditions.
OUR TREES
“Our commitment to quality and sustainability extends to our trees and the process by which we source our product.”
We work closely with trusted farmers who share our values and dedication to ethical sourcing. By nurturing these relationships, we ensure that every step of our production process aligns with our mission to create premium olive products while honoring the environment.
Harvest Process
At Olibano, we embrace traditional harvesting methods that show deep respect for nature and preserve the legacy of our ancient olive trees. Our skilled farmers carefully handpick each olive at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that the fruit's integrity and nutritional value are maintained throughout the process.
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At the processing plant:
1.
The olives are first cleaned to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris.
2.
The Crushing: The olives are then crushed to break the fruit's cells and release the oil. This can be done using a traditional stone mill, a hammer mill, or a modern continuous system that uses blades or disks to crush the olives.
3.
Malaxation: The crushed olives are then mixed to create a paste and to allow the oil droplets to coalesce. This step is known as malaxation and is often done at a controlled temperature to enhance the oil's quality and flavor
4.
Separation: The olive paste is then placed into a centrifuge or a press to separate the oil from the rest of the mixture.
5.
SFiltering: The oil is then filtered to remove any remaining particles or impurities.
6.
Storage: The oil is stored in stainless steel tanks, often in a temperature-controlled environment, to prevent oxidation and maintain its quality.
Refining Process
Our refining process is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality. We meticulously extract the purest essence of the olive fruit using cold pressing techniques, which helps retain the oil's rich flavors and healthful properties. The result is an exceptional extra virgin olive oil that embodies the spirit of our trees and the captivating taste of Lebanon.
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Bottling Process
To preserve the essence of our organic extra virgin olive oil, we use carefully selected bottles that maintain the integrity and freshness of the oil. Our packaging not only ensures that the unique flavors and properties of our olive oil are protected but also reflects the history and heritage of our ancient olive trees.
Olive oil bottling is an important process that ensures its quality and freshness. At Olibano, we employ quality checks to ensure that the product remains pure. These checks include Sterilization, Filling, Capping, Labeling and Quality Control. Once the quality checks are complete, our premium olive oil is encased in Olibano's elegant packaging, making it ready for shipping and distribution to markets, restaurants and connoisseurs worldwide.
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