El Kantara Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 A premium-grade product, this olive oil is extracted directly from carefully harvested olives using only mechanical methods. It is a family-run artisanal operation combined with modern practices, originating from the ‘Biskra’ region at the Sahara Gate of Algeria. In 2023, the farm proudly became one of the leading producers in the area, managing 40,000 olive trees across 74 acres.

Traditionally, olive oil is produced by crushing the fruit between large stone wheels, a process known as “cold pressing.” This method results in a lower yield—approximately 16% of the olive’s weight is oil. Increasing the oil extraction involves heating the pulp, but this compromises quality, as it reduces beneficial polyphenols and raises free fatty acids, leading to an unpleasant, rancid flavor. For this reason, cold pressing remains highly valued. Although modern techniques often use centrifugation instead of pressing, maintaining low temperatures during extraction is essential to preserving the oil’s superior quality.