Olive oil
Virgin olive oil is a pure fruit juice. Harvesting takes place in November and December.
In the Luberon area, the predominant olive variety is the Aglandau; the olive groves are mainly situated around Saint Saturnin lès Apt.
Technique
After washing in cold water, the olives are crushed, with their stones, and then mixed until an oily paste is obtained. This is spread out on fibre discs, which are stacked and pressed. The fluid components (olive oil and vegetable water) then flow out. This cold pressing process takes approximately 35 minutes. Separation is by the ancient method of decantation (the oil, which is lighter, rises to the surface), or by centrifuging in the more modern processes.
The flavour of the oil varies according to the terroir, the variety of olive, the date of picking and the skill of the miller.
Le Moulin à huile Jullien
The mill produces oil using the traditional method, with millstones and a press.
During the harvesting period, visitors can watch the miller at work.
Outside the season, a system of panels illustrates the production process. Around the mill, in an olive grove, other panels tell the story of the olive, the terroir and agricultural work.
Open from Easter to the end of June from 1000h to 1200h and 1400h to 1800h, and in July and August from 1000h to 1200h and 1500h to 1900h.
All the year 1400h to 1800h - Closed Sundays and public holidays. The miller organises half-days on the subject of the olive tree - finding out about the tree, mill visit, tasting oil and other regional products (3 € per person).
Where can you find olive oil ?
Moulin à huile Maurice Jullien
rue Trouchet 84490 St Saturnin lès Apt
tel. 04 90 75 56 24.
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http://www.moulin-huile-jullien.com/
Open all year. Low season afternoons only.
