Milas Olive Oil

Milas olive oil is a natural extra virgin olive oil produced from Memecik variety olives grown in the climate and soil conditions of Milas, processed in discontinuous or two- or three-phase extraction facilities.

Product Profile and Geographical Indication Type

Milas olive oil belongs to the category of vegetable and animal fats, specifically within the olive oil subgroup. The history of Milas olive oil extends back to the Carian Civilization, and the region has been a major center of olive oil production and trade since antiquity.

Milas olives (AA)

Product Definition and Distinctive Characteristics

Milas olive oil is a natural extra virgin olive oil primarily produced from Memecik variety olives cultivated in the Milas region. This olive variety ripens naturally under rainfall, resulting in small fruits that yield a high-quality natural extra virgin olive oil with a yellow-green hue and a moderate fruity aroma.

• Taste and Aroma Profile: It is not pungent. It imparts a very mild burning sensation in the throat and a barely perceptible bitterness in the mouth. Its fruity character is dominated by citrus notes of tangerine, orange, lemon, and grapefruit. The aroma profile also includes hexanal, described as “green apple and cut grass”; E-2-hexenal, described as “bitter, almond, green and apple”; hexanol, described as “fruity and cut grass”; and Z-3-hexenol, described as “green fruity and bitter”.
• Acidity Level: Due to the calcareous, loamy-sandy and alluvial soil structure of the Milas region, the Memecik variety olives exhibit low acidity levels.
• Quality Criteria: The product complies with the Turkish Food Codex Notification on Natural Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Analyses of its main components have confirmed that Milas olive oil samples are distinguishable from those of other regions.

Production Method

The production method of Milas olive oil does not fundamentally differ from that of other natural extra virgin olive oils and can be carried out in discontinuous, two-phase or three-phase extraction facilities. The production process follows these general stages:

1. Storage of Olives: Short-term storage of harvested olives under appropriate conditions.
2. Cleaning and Washing of Olives: Removal of foreign matter such as leaves and twigs, followed by washing.
3. Crushing and Milling of Olives: Crushing and milling of olives using suitable methods to facilitate oil extraction.
4. Kneading of Olive Paste (Malaxation): Kneading the crushed olive paste at a controlled temperature and duration to promote the coalescence of oil droplets.
5. Oil Extraction from Olive Paste: Separation of oil from the kneaded paste through pressing or centrifugation.
6. Separation of Vegetative Water from Olive Oil: Removal of residual vegetative water (karasu) from the oil.
7. Filtration of Olive Oil: Filtration to remove sediment and pulp, if desired.
8. Storage of Olive Oil: Storage of the produced olive oil in suitable containers, protected from light, heat and oxygen, to preserve its quality.

Milas Olive Harvest Festivals (Milas Subdistrict Governorship)

Geographical Origin and Boundaries

Although the registration document does not explicitly define the geographical boundary, the product name “Milas Olive Oil” emphasizes that the Memecik variety olives used in its production must be cultivated under the specific climate and soil conditions of Milas. This implies that the geographical area encompasses the district of Milas and its surrounding areas within Muğla Province.

Registration Process and Details

National Registration: Milas olive oil was registered under application number C2014/043 with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, receiving registration number 201. The protection date is 24 June 2014. The product was officially published in the Official Gazette dated 27 May 2016 and issue number 29724.

European Union Registration: Upon the application of the Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Milas Olive Oil was registered as a geographical indication (protected designation of origin) in the Official Journal of the European Union, issue L 434, dated 23 December 2020. This registration ensures protection of the product within all EU member states.