The olive harvest and the production of EVO oil in Pimonte

In Campania the production of extra virgin olive oil has been increasing year after year, reaching quantities of about 20,000 quintals a year. Also in Pimonte an excellent quality oil is produced, thanks to some precautions that have been adopted in recent years to combat one of the major scourges that can affect olive trees, namely the so-called 'fly'. This insect lays its larvae in the drupes, and the larvae then eat it completely inside. In Pimonte a biological method is used to eradicate these parasites, with the placement of traps that contain female hormones in which the fly remains trapped. In addition to the care of the olives, harvesting is very important for the success of the oil, which in this case is done by hand. However, it is also necessary to know when it is the right time to harvest the olives, that is, during veraison, when the olive becomes partially purple. The last step is at the mill, where the drupes are cold pressed. Another product of this area is the chestnut: it is also harvested in autumn.