The Olive Oil Process - The Zaytco Way

There’s something magical about a bottle of olive oil. Especially when it’s the real deal — the kind that carries the taste of sun-soaked olives and centuries of tradition. At Zaytco, that’s exactly what we’re all about. But before that golden liquid reaches your table, there’s a story. A story that starts with the olive tree.

Step 1: Growing with Patience

Olive trees are not in a rush — and neither are we. These trees take their sweet time, often waiting 7 to 10 years before producing their first viable fruit. But once they do? Pure gold.

Our family orchard in Qlayaa, Lebanon, is filled with trees that have stood the test of time. Some are over a century old, their gnarled trunks twisting proudly. Each tree is a living reminder of the land’s resilience and beauty. And when harvest season rolls around, it’s time to honor that patience.

Step 2: The Harvest

There’s no loud machinery or harsh tools in our orchard. At Zaytco, we harvest olives the traditional way — by hand. It’s a labor of love. Families gather under the trees, carefully plucking the olives to avoid damaging the fruit.

The timing has to be just right. Pick too early, and the oil will be overly bitter. Wait too long, and you lose that peppery bite and fresh flavor. Our olives are harvested at peak ripeness, capturing the perfect balance of fruitiness and spice.

Step 3: Stone Pressing — The Old School Way

Once harvested, the olives are brought to the press. And no, we’re not talking about modern industrial machines. Zaytco olives are stone-pressed, just like our ancestors did it. Picture massive stones grinding the olives into a paste, releasing their precious oil. It’s a slow, deliberate process that treats the fruit with care.

Stone pressing might take longer, but the reward is worth it. The oil retains its deep flavor and all those powerhouse antioxidants.

Step 4: First Cold Pressed Perfection

First cold press? It’s not just a fancy label. It means our olives are only pressed once, without heat or chemicals. The result? Extra virgin olive oil that’s bursting with freshness and nutrients.

Cold pressing keeps the temperature low, ensuring all the beneficial polyphenols (the good stuff) stay intact. That’s what gives Zaytco its signature kick — that peppery sensation at the back of your throat. It’s a sign you’re getting the real deal.

Step 5: Unfiltered for a Reason

Here’s where we draw the line. A lot of olive oils go through a filtration process to make them look crystal clear. Not Zaytco. We keep our oil unfiltered because that cloudiness? That’s flavor. That’s nutrition. That’s olive oil in its purest form.

Unfiltered oil is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and healthy fats. Every bottle is like liquid gold, packed with the essence of the olives it came from.

Step 6: Bottled and Ready for You

Finally, it’s time to bottle up all that goodness. Our bottles are designed to protect the oil from light and heat, ensuring it stays as fresh as the day it was pressed.

From our family’s orchard to your table, every bottle of Zaytco tells a story. A story of Lebanese tradition, patient craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land.

Using Zaytco at Home

Zaytco olive oil is not just for dipping bread (although we highly recommend it). Here’s some ways to make the most of every drop:

• Salads: Keep it simple. Fresh greens, lemon juice, sea salt, and a healthy drizzle of Zaytco.

• Hummus: Give your hummus a glow-up by adding a generous pour of olive oil on top. Maybe a sprinkle of paprika for good measure.

• Roasted Veggies: Carrots, potatoes, zucchini — whatever’s in season. Toss them in Zaytco, salt, and herbs, and roast until golden.

• Fish and Meat: Olive oil makes an excellent marinade. Mix it with garlic, lemon, and oregano for a burst of flavor.

• Desserts: Yes, really. Olive oil cake is a Mediterranean classic, offering a moist, fragrant crumb with a subtle fruity note.

Taste the Difference

At Zaytco, we don’t just sell olive oil - we sell first cold pressed, unfiltered, extra virgin olive oil the way it was made to be enjoyed.

Never settle for less.