The harvest season for olives is typically from October to January, depending on the region. In 2015, the olive harvest was particularly significant due to a variety of factors such as the weather and the increase in demand for olive oil.
The weather played a crucial role in the 2015 olive harvest. In Spain, the world’s largest producer of olive oil, the harvest was affected by an ongoing drought that affected most of the country’s crops. The drought led to reduced yields and smaller-sized olives since the trees were not receiving enough water. In some regions, the drought also increased the risk of wildfires, which could destroy entire olive groves.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the olive harvest in 2015 was affected by an unusually hot summer. The hot weather caused the olives to ripen earlier, and as a result, the harvest began earlier than usual. However, the early harvest was not without its challenges. For instance, since the olives had less time to mature fully, the oil produced from them had lower acidity levels. Low-acidity oils are less stable and thus have a shorter shelf life.
Another significant factor that impacted the 2015 olive harvest was the increase in demand for olive oil. Olive oil has gained popularity in recent years, with people increasingly using it as a healthier alternative to other cooking oils. The demand for olive oil has led to an increase in production, particularly in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather and high demand, the 2015 olive harvest had its successes. For instance, in Tunisia, the harvest was one of the best in recent years, with a record production of two million tons of olives. Tunisian olive oil is renowned for its quality, and the 2015 harvest did not disappoint.
In Spain, despite the drought, the olive harvest still resulted in a bumper crop of 1.5 million tons of olives. Although the yield was lower than usual due to the drought, the quality of the olives was still high, resulting in an excellent harvest of extra-virgin olive oil.
In conclusion, the 2015 olive harvest was a mixed bag, with some regions experiencing challenges such as drought and high temperatures, while others such as Tunisia enjoyed record-breaking production. The increase in demand for olive oil was also a significant factor that impacted the harvest. Despite the challenges, the quality of the olives was still generally high, resulting in excellent olive oil. The olive is truly a remarkable crop, and the 2015 olive harvest is a testament to its resilience.