Olive picking breaks at White Egret
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Have fun creating your very own jars of olives, and olive oil...
Take a break with a difference - an Olive Break !
White Egret's seven hectares of private woodland has produced copious amounts of olives for generations. So many olives, that we now organize our own 'Olive Breaks' towards the latter part of each year. Here's your opportunity to take part in this very interesting and exciting activity, and take home your very own jars of delicious hand picked olives, and a litre or two of olive oil...
Our olive harvesting usually takes place from the middle of October to the middle of November, and depends on how the olives have grown during the year. We accept reservations all year round for our Olive Breaks - you reserve your accommodation, and your very own tree which we have nurchured for you throughout the year. Usually by July, we can confirm that everthing is on track for having a bumper crop for you, and it is a good time to make your travel arrangements... So what's involved on our Olive Breaks ?
Reserve your accommodation and a tree.
We have 4 bedrooms on a bed and breakast basis - you can decide whether to stay in one of the bedrooms adjacent to the farmhouse, or one of the treehouses nearby. The accommodation is based on 2 people sharing, or we can accommodate you under a 'single occupancy' rate. The bedooms have king-size double beds, and the treehouses have twin beds which can be made into doubles if you prefer.
We allocate a tree just for you ! You should easily be able pick enough olives to produce at least one litre of oil and at least a dozen jars of olives. Please bear in mind the weight of oilves in their jars might restrict what you are abe to carry and if you are travelling by air, airlines do have restrictions on what you are able to carry, and usually require hold luggage for liquid goods. Please check those conditions if you are planning to take them by air. If for any reason you will not be taking the olives with you, and you are quite happy to just have the experience of harvesting and the production process, then you can donate them to a local care home where they will be gratefully received.
Your first full day - will be harvesting !
We will show you how to pick the olives from your tree, bag them for sorting and show you how to clean and prepare them. After a few hours of picking, you might like a relaxing swim in our heated saltwater pool, or maybe a game of pickle ball, putting, or petanque. The facilities are there for your use at any time on your break...
Your second day - jars of olives, oil, or both !
You will be filling your jars, adding a few ingredients so they are just to your liking. The remainder - we'll take you to a nearby 'Lagar' where they'll press the olives to produce the oil. Whilst waiting for your oil, it is immensely interesting to watch the locals arrive - often with just a bucket of olives - then eagerly await their oil !
If you are thinking of visiting the Algarve for a break or longer holiday...
You should consider a stay at White Egret. Have a look at the various pages and see what we can offer by way of a short break or a longer, relaxing holiday. Wander through our private woodland, discovering the ancient walled terraces; swim in our superb saltwater pool; play some sports; or just sit back, listen to the birds - and do nothing...
If that sounds appealing, or you'd like to reserve your very own olive tree, and stay with us later in the year, do get in touch with us and we'll be pleased to help.