why egregio
what does
egregio
mean?
The origins of Egregio are rooted an ancient past, from a time when the Latins perfected the 8,000 year old art of crafting distinguished, eminent, illustrious extra virgin olive oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest grade of olive oil derived by cold mechanical extraction without use of solvents or refining methods. The International Olive Oil Council defines extra virgin olive oil to have no more than 0.8% free acidity, and judged to have a superior taste, having some fruitiness and no defined sensory defects. The United States is not part of the International Olive Oil Council and thus the definition of extra virgin is only based on chemical analysis and not on any sensory panel.
We believe the most important identifying parameter for extra virgin is the tasting panel. All egregio
products meet a higher standard with less than 0.3% free acidity and meeting the guidelines of DOP Estepa; the strictest quality standard in the European Union.
Sustainable production
The basis of this sustainability is integrated production and organic farming methods. Both systems base themselves on a combination of farming techniques and production techniques that are mindful of the environment and at the same time achieve high quality products. This is done with a food safety guarantee and without sacrificing the full production capacity. Reasonable use of natural resources is observed, especially water, in order to avoid erosion.
For consumers, our products, because of our farming systems, provide a guarantee of food safety, quality, and sustainability. These are precisely the criteria that should be weighed upon when purchasing.
100% of our 54,600 hectares of olive trees are farmed using the Integrated or Organic production systems.
This vision is permeated throughout the Cooperative and could be considered a System of Sustainable Activity.
It all begins with the olive tree. Farmers count on technical advice and management from an agronomist, one for each 2,500 hectares. The traceability is guaranteed from its origin, all of the data is registered starting with the olive tree itself.
Such record keeping can readily detect any pests or diseases that might affect the tree and its product. In such a case, any action would be taken bearing in mind the health and safety of the local fauna and plant life, guaranteeing that any fruit that is selected would be exempt from any type of residual pesticides.
Such record keeping can readily detect any pests or diseases that might affect the tree and its product. In such a case, any action would be taken bearing in mind the health and safety of the local fauna and plant life, guaranteeing that any fruit that is selected would be exempt from any type of residual pesticides.
Over 150 million kilograms of olives are harvested in November and December, when they reach their ideal stage of maturity.
DOP Estepa
and other quality standards
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ButtonThis seal certifies that 100% of this oil comes from organic farming, both USDA and CAAE European standards
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ButtonThis seal certifies that 100% of this oil comes from organic farming, both USDA and CAAE European standards
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ButtonThe Estepa Protected Designation of Origin has the strictest criteria in the world when it comes to certifying an EVOO like EGREGIO.
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ButtonThe Estepa Protected Designation of Origin has the strictest criteria in the world when it comes to certifying an EVOO like EGREGIO.
The prestige and recognition achieved by the extra virgin olive oil cultivated in the regions of Estepa and Puente Genil are due to a combination of factors, factors such as the variety of olive trees, the climate, the soil and the know-how of its associates. This uniqueness of its extra virgin olive oils has been guaranteed since 2004, counting on the Recognition and Protection of the National and community authorities through the Designation of Origin Estepa.
The regulatory agency of DOP Estepa established in its rules the most demanding quality standard to protect the extra virgin olive oils within the region.. This is especially supported in the sensory analysis, guaranteeing that the quality of the product, until the expiration date, is of the highest standard.
Highest score for fruitiness than any other DOP in the world (4), 2 being the typical score for other brands in the market. The highest stability in oxidation, which in turn guarantees long lasting quality of the certified oil. High content of tocoferols and polyphenols, which provide the health properties in extra virgin oil.