Twenty-five extra virgin olive oils found on supermarket shelves were blind tested and reviewed by a trained Choice panel, which awarded Gold to Cockatoo Grove, the only organic producer, with a score of 87 per cent out of 100. Second placing went to Cobram Estate with 83 per cent and third placing went to Bertolli, also with 83 per cent.
Cockatoo Grove, situated on the banks of the Murray River and boasting red sandy soils, perfect climatic conditions and good access to water via a computer-operated drip system, is owned by Joan and Ken Dugan and began as Cobram Estate in 1996 when the couple bent to the task of planting 25,000 olive trees. Their first harvest netted about 30 tonnes of olives, producing 6000 litres of pure extra virgin oil.
Getting the product on the shelves of the major supermarkets and then exporting overseas, it was soon to dominate the domestic market; it was a quality product and had a good name which people recognised.
In 2007, the couple made the decision to sell off the brand to a larger corporation while deciding on the next stage.
Several years later, with the trees continuing to thrive and with organic farming in mind, Cockatoo Grove was born.
A young Cobram man, Ben Lazzarotto, began working for the Dugans 24 years ago as an apprentice studying production and horticulture — and he hasn’t looked back. Achieving his diploma, over the years Ben has become invaluable to the company and loves the variety that his role offers in managing the farm and production. He now has his own apprentice, Lewis Mele, 17, who has been with the company for 12 months and is proving to be a great choice, possessing a rare willingness to have a go at anything and do it with a smile.
Beginning their day at 7am, the pair does most of the farm work; a few extras are employed during harvest when they are on the job 12 hours a day over a five- to eight-week period between the end of April and midway through June.
“We generally pick one or two bins to check if they are ready. As they ripen it is better for the oil, but the taste can drop off if they are too ripe. It’s about getting it just right,” Ben said.
“Getting the fruit from the trees requires two of us to operate the shaker and catcher and we always pick any frost-affected trees first. Frosts can burn the fruit, which affects the flavour.”
There is pride in the man in relation to the role that he, Lewis, his wife Jodi Lazzarotto, and Emily Nolan, 20, play at Cockatoo Grove. While they are only a small group, they are proud of their individual roles and determined to ensure the product is the best it can be.
This recognition from Choice puts the company ahead of much larger producers in both quality and process.
Jodi Lazzarotto has been with the company for seven years and supervises the processing and bottling in the state-of-the-art facilities and cool room, assisted in every aspect by Emily who also shows she is quickly gaining a sound knowledge of the procedures.
Despite their small number, the team guarantees that the fruit will be harvested and in the stainless steel tanks at a constant low temperature within four hours, ensuring the oil maintains its freshness.
The farm produces two varieties of green olives — corregiola and frantoio — chosen for their fine oil quality and consistency.
To be classified as extra virgin olive oil, the oil must meet quality standards — and health-conscious consumers will generally pay a premium for a product that is considered to be one of the healthiest oils, full of beneficial antioxidants.
Production today generally averages between 50,000 and 80,000 litres, and Cockatoo Grove oil is available on the shelves of Woolworths stores throughout Australia. Locally, the good oil on where it can be purchased is not only Woolworths, but Manto Produce, the Big Strawberry and Murray River Butchers in Cobram.
Cockatoo Grove Organic Oil is grown and produced in Cobram, by Cobram people who are passionate about their product. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Footnote: Olive oil does not mature in the bottle like wine. It should be kept in a cool, dark place and be consumed within two years of bottling.
Essential Theatre at Byramine this Sunday
This coming Sunday, February 20, Essential Theatre will perform Shakespeare’s As You Like It, as part of its Shakespeare in The Vines tour and in celebration of the company’s 20th year.
Members of Essential Theatre professionally re-interpret classic texts for modern audiences, and will deliver this vibrant and engaging production outdoors at Byramine Homestead commencing at 6.30pm.
Last year’s modern production of Romeo and Juliet attracted a full crowd including several young people aged 12 to 14 who appeared to enjoy their first experience of Shakespeare, and hopefully others will come along to enjoy a similar experience.
As You Like It brings many of Shakespeare’s best ideas together in one masterful play. Love, betrayal, mischief and foolery, this play has it all and features some of the most iconic lines ever written.
Directed by Sharon Davis and designed by Zoe Rouse, the talent of each performer is outstanding and it is definitely worth booking a ticket for what promises to be a super night out.
Organised by Moira Arts Inc, bookings must be made online at: www.trybooking.com
Tickets are $55 per person, $50 for members and $20 for students.
Gates open at 5pm, so bring along a picnic. No BYO alcohol; however it can be purchased at Byramine.
The performance will begin at 6.30pm on the lawns of this picturesque setting and play out as the sun sets.
