Charisma 2 Delicate, an Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) produced by Ouma Se Huis Boutique Olive Estate in the Klein Karoo in Calitzdorp, has been named one of the 2024 Absa Top 10 Olive Oils.
The success of Charisma 2 Delicate comes down to the care put into growing and harvesting the olives. Every step and decision is carefully taken to ensure the olives are top-quality, free from damage or overripeness. The 2024 harvest benefited from good rains, producing a stronger yield and boosting the oil quality.
Ouma Se Huis Boutique Olive Estate was passed down to Carin Nel Swanepoel by Prof. P.C. Nel, a former professor and head of the Agriculture Department at the University of Pretoria. Prof. Nel’s journey began in Stellenbosch, where he later spent time in the United States for his post-doctoral studies. When he returned to South Africa, he became a key figure in chemical weed control and lectured at the University of Pretoria. He came from the Nel family in Matjiesvlei, Calitzdorp, where his family’s land had been passed down through generations.
The name “Charisma” comes from the Greek word “Carisma”, meaning ‘gift of grace, favour and the ability to inspire’, perfectly representing the essence of this olive oil.
Although a dentist, Carin has always been actively involved in the harvest. While she is not directly responsible for the olive orchard daily, she takes great pride in the quality of the olives. The success of both the estate and Charisma is a team effort, with her husband and local workforce rooted in the Klein Karoo. The hard work of everyone involved has been key to producing such a high-quality EVOO that earned this recognition. She adds that the oil quality is determined and influenced by the oil extraction process, namely, the type of machines the oil masters use, the technique applied, and the precision of the filling process, all of which play a crucial role in the final product.
The Absa Top 10 Olive Oil award is more than just a win for Charisma; it is a testament to the dedication, passion, and respect for tradition that have defined the estate’s journey. The team at Ouma Se Huis is immensely grateful to all those who contribute to Charisma’s ongoing success as a world-leading Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
