Discover the Charm of L’Oulibo Olive Press on a French Barge Cruise

A Glimpse into L’Oulibo’s Olive Production

The Artisanal Journey of L’Oulibo Olives

L’Oulibo, nestled on the serene banks of the Canal du Midi, is not just a destination but an experience. The olive grove specializes in cultivating two main types of olives:

• Lucques Olives: Known for their distinctive crescent shape and buttery flavor, primarily served as table olives.
• Picholine Olives: Often used in cocktails, these olives are valued for their firm texture and slightly nutty flavor.

The cultivation process at L’Oulibo is rigorously artisanal, with olives being handpicked to ensure the highest quality. The harvesting period is crucial, with green olives picked between September and October, and black olives, which are simply more mature, harvested between November and December.

Post-harvest, the olives undergo a meticulous preservation process. Initially, they are bathed in an alkaline solution for 10 hours to remove bitterness, rinsed thoroughly, and then brined for over 10 days to develop their unique flavors. Finally, they are sorted and prepared for sale at a dedicated canning facility.

From Olive to Oil: The Extraction Process

L’Oulibo doesn’t just stop at table olives. Annually, between 500 and 800 tonnes of olives are processed to produce about 75,000 to 120,000 liters of pure, natural olive oil. This oil is celebrated for being free from preservatives or additives, maintaining the artisanal ethos of the mill.

The oil extraction process is a blend of tradition and precision:

1. Preparation: After harvesting, olives are depitted and rinsed to remove impurities.
2. Crushing: Olives are then crushed using traditional millstones or modern hammermills.
3. Malaxation: The olive paste is slowly kneaded to allow oil droplets to coalesce.
4. Extraction: Using a horizontal decanter, the mixture is spun to separate the oil from the paste.
5. Storage: The extracted oil is stored in vats to settle, preserving its aromatic qualities.

Why Visit L’Oulibo?

Visitors to L’Oulibo can expect more than just a tour; they experience a sensory journey into the heart of French culinary tradition. The cooperative’s location near key tourist spots between Béziers and Carcassonne makes it a favored choice for those exploring the region via barge. Many cruise providers include special excursions to L’Oulibo, allowing guests to witness the olive oil production process and indulge in tastings of the mill’s products.

What to Expect During a Visit

• Guided Tours: Learn about the detailed process of olive cultivation and oil production.
• Tasting Sessions: Sample the delectable Lucques olives, olive oils, and tapenades.
• Artisanal Products: Opportunity to purchase unique, locally-made olive products.

Visiting L’Oulibo offers an insightful peek into the traditional methods that define the richness of local French produce, making it a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Whether you're a lover of fine foods or simply curious about traditional French agriculture, L’Oulibo provides an enriching experience that complements the scenic beauty of a barge cruise on the Canal du Midi.