How is olive oil made?

How is Olive Oil Made?

Olives are picked at certain times of the growing season (spring, winter and fall).  After being washed, they are crushed (pressed) into a puree, stirred in large vats (preferably enclosed to reduce oxidation) - remaining at room temperature - and then centrifuged to separate the oil from the puree remnants (called pomace which can be made into an inferior oil called pomace oil).  The  oil is stored in stainless steel containers around 65 degrees F to prevent its deterioration and then bottled.