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Ouma Se Huis wins Absa Top 10 recognition for Charisma 2 Delicate
Charisma, an award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from the Klein Karoo in Calitzdorp, has been named one of the 2024 Absa Top 10 Olive Oils. This recognition goes to Charisma 2 Delicate, produced by Ouma Se Huis Boutique Olive Estate, a farm that is deeply connected to family history and a passion for quality.
The success of Charisma 2 Delicate comes down to the care put into growing and harvesting the olives. Every step and decision are carefully taken to ensure the olives are top-quality, free from damage or overripe fruit. The 2024 harvest benefited from good rains, which helped produce a stronger yield, boosting the quality of the oil. This beautiful area in the Klein Karoo does not always benefit from the best rain or water supply, but fortunately nature and humans worked together to produce the winning 2024 harvest.
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 studied and 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 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” which perfectly represents the olive oil’s essence.
Carin, although a dentist, 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 work force routed in the Klein Karoo. The hard work of everyone has been key to producing such a high-quality EVOO that earned this recognition. She adds that the quality of the oil 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 has 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.
