Mallorca Travel: Centuries Old Olive Oil Press at Finca Son Pont
May 13, 2010
Spain – one of my favourite countries…. One destination I have wanted to explore for a long time is the beautiful island of Mallorca. So from May 20 to 31, 2009 I had the opportunity to get to know a good portion of this special Mediterranean island.
Popular as a package tourism destination since the 1960s, I was more interested in Mallorca’s natural and cultural treasures which can be found away from the massive hotel developments that dominate some parts of the coastline. My favourite area of the island became the north: the rugged, relatively untouched Serra de Tramuntana mountain chain that runs along the islands north coast from east to west.
With my little rental car I was able to get into the tiniest villages and I ended up visiting virtually every major settlement on the Costa Nord. My favourite spot become Soller, a popular tourist town in the heart of the Tramuntana region, which has long been famous for its citrus plantations and its position among Mallorca’s highest mountains. The Puig Major reaches an altitude of 1,445 metres (over 4700 feet) and Soller is embedded in a wide valley surrounded by majestic mountains. Soller is also the final terminal of the Palma to Soller vintage electric train. In addition, Soller is connected with a historic streetcar to the harbour town of Port de Soller which lies about 4 km away.
Some of my other favourites included Pollenca and Cap Formentor on the east side of the island; Banyalbufar and Sa Calobra on the steep, picturesque northern coast; Sant Elm, on the extreme western side of the island, a village that offers a great view of Sa Dragonera, the Dragon’s Island; and Valdemossa, a very pretty village just a few kilometres inland from the coast, in the northern mountain area. Other country excursions included Inca, Mallorca’s leather manufacturing town; Alaro, a gorgeous little mountain town; and various towns on the western side of the island, such as Puigpunyent, Galilea, Andratz and Calvia.
I also explored the eastern and southern coastlines of the island, including the historic walled city of Alcudia, the impressive medieval castles of Arta and Capdepera, and the scenic coves of Cala Rajada and Porto Cristo. Of course, a few visits to the capital of Palma de Mallorca were also part of my program. I thoroughly enjoyed the old downtown with its narrow alleyways and cobble-stoned streets. La Seu, the imposing Gothic Cathedral, is simply breathtaking, and I had the good fortune to be inside the church when there was an organ concert.
Palma has so many beautiful sights, which include the Palau de l’Almudaina, the Consolat de Mar, the gorgeous Parc de la Mar on the waterfront, and the round Gothic Castell de Bellver, which dates back to the early 1300s. For me Mallorca turned out to be a dream destination that offers near perfect weather, amazing landscapes, great recreational opportunities on land and at sea, and fabulous history and culture. I am sure I will make it back there again…
Duration : 0:5:1
Almazara. Olive mill
May 4, 2010
A little more to learn and see about the olive oil world.
Duration : 0:0:59
Lucero Olive Oil
April 27, 2010
“We are 4th generation California olive growers from a rural community that has a history of producing the country’s most delicious olives. Corning’s century old trees are some of the oldest in the state, and many thrive in our family groves.”–Lucero
Duration : 0:1:21
The Essentials of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
April 21, 2010
Aromatherapy is a herbal medicine which uses the healing effects of essential oils, absolutes, floral waters, resins, carrier oils, infused oils, herbs and other natural substances as treatment for physical and mental conditions. Aromatherapy is based on the concept that different scents have different effects on the mind and body.
Essential oil, is a liquid volatile aromatic compound, extracted from plants. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumery, incense, for flavoring food and drink, and cleaning products. Essential oils are referred to as “oil of” the plant from which it was extracted. Examples are oil of antimony, oil of clove, oil of eucalyptus. The term essential means that the oil is the fragrant essence of the plant from which it is extracted.
Medical use of essential oil in aromatherapy The medical use of plant oils has a long history. Aromatherapy is currently one of the most popular ays of de-stressing. The origins go back thousands of years. Essential oils are concentrated, they generally should not be applied directly to the skin undiluted. Some can cause irritations or allergic reactions. Essential oils should be diluted before being applied. Olive, hazelnut, grapeseed are often used as carrier oils. Organically produced essential oils are best particularly if you are going to use it on your skin.
Aromatherapy is often used with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology, chiropractic and other alternative therapies. In an Aromatherapy massage, essential oils may be blended to suit the individual needs of the client. Aromatherapy massage is for anyone who appreciates a massage, the importance of skin care, and stress relief.
Essential oils are extracted from flowers, seeds, roots, leaves, wood, bark, or peel.
Most of the common essential oils are distilled using water. Raw plants are put into an alembic over heated water. As the water is heated the steam passes through the plant material, extracting the volatile compounds. The vapors are condensed back to liquid and collected. The liquid recondensed from the distillation process is called herbal distillate, plant water essence or hydrosols and is sold as a fragrant product. Examples of distilled oils are lemon balm, rose water, lavender water, clary sage or orange blossom water.
Citrus peel oils are usually cold-pressed, due to the large quantities of oil in the peels.
Volatile oils from flowers are delicate, carbon dioxide is used to extract the waxes and the essential oils that make up the concrete. Concretes are a mixture of essential oil, waxes, resins, and other plant material. The concrete is then processed with liquid carbon dioxide to separate the waxes and resins from the essential oils. When the pressure is reduced, the carbon dioxide reverts back to a gas, leaving no residue. This is a lower temperature process that prevents the decomposition of the essential oils.
Oil from the same plant can have a different name when a extracted in a different way. Rose oil is extracted from the petals of Rosa damascena and Rosa centifolia. Steam-distilled rose oil is known as “rose otto” while the solvent extracted rose oil is known as “rose absolute”.
Essential oils must be treated like medicines. It is advisable that you exercises caution and consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using aromatherapy for medical use. The internal use of essential oils should be fully avoided during pregnancy without consulting with a licensed professional, as some oils can be abortifacients. Read safety precautions before you use them. Some very common oils such as Eucalyptus are extremely toxic internally. The smoke from burning essential oils may contain potential carcinogens, never smoke essential oils of any kind. Essential oils should always be kept out of the reach of children. Some oils can be toxic to some animals, particularly cats.
When it comes to feeling better, rejuvenating your spirit, stimulating your mind, and boosting your physical prowess, aromatherapy is the ultimate.
Harvey Robinson
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/the-essentials-of-aromatherapy-and-essential-oils-127297.html
Olive oil tasting
April 20, 2010
Since 1744, the Moulin Saint-Michel in Mouriès, in the Valley of Baux-de-Provence, has been processing the harvest of the olive growers in the Alpilles, near the foothills of the Alps. Our family has been passionately involved in this region, this history and this noble trade for three generations. We carefully watch over the origin of the olives and, respecting ancestral techniques, store them in our lofts before bringing them to the heart of the mill where they are stripped, washed, and ground.
www.moulinsaintmichel.com
Duration : 0:4:37
