San Francisco Seattle Washington DC Olive Oil Olive groves line the rocky hillsides of Italy and the Mediterranean coast . Today, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, and California all produce high quality olive oils from those old olive trees.
Olive oils come in various grades and intensities.
The first pressing happens between great rollers of stone or steel. Stone is best because it is softer than steel and it doesn't conduct heat. The mashy pulp left over is then mixed with hot water and processed to make second and third press oils. The state regulates the labeling of olive oils according to the level of acidity. Any oil with an acidity level higher than 4 percent is only good for lamps.