Spain, Italy, Greece, or Tunisia are one of the first countries that you have in mind when somebody mentions olive oil. Probably the main reason for recognizing these countries can be related to a fact that these countries are major olive oil producers in the world. Did you know that Croatian olive oil from the Dalmatia region was declared better than Italian and French ones in the 19th century? Or did you know that 21 Croatian olive oil from the Istrian and Dalmatian region entered the Best Olive Oils Annual Index? Have you ever tasted Croatian olive oil? Well, maybe Croatia is not recognized worldwide as a country with a large production and export of olive oil, but for sure it is recognized as a country of premium olive oil that has often been awarded at international competitions.
Photo: www.istriagourmet.com
The tradition of cultivating olives on the eastern side of the Adriatic coast lasts for more than 2000 years. It is the most numerous agricultural culture on the Croatian coast and it is spread along the entire coast, on an area of approximately 28,000 ha. From the Istrian peninsula through the Kvarner to Dalmatia and the Dalmatian hinterland you will find different varieties of olives (mostly green ones). In that area, long for a 900 km, you will find about 3,79 million of olive trees that are mostly used for olive oil production – about 4000 tons of olive oil or if you prefer 37 463 hectoliters.
Today’s production of olive oil does not meet the needs of consumption, so it needs to be imported from other European countries (mostly from Spain). In the last ten years there is recognized a need to restore neglected olive groves and new ones have been built on good habitats, on a modern basis. Long tradition, modern processes, globalization as well as small but quality production of olive oil enabled to Croatian olive growers to brand themselves on the worldwide. That’s why the majority of olive growers prefer to produce premium class olive oils as opposed to average or very good quality of olive oils.
Photo: The oldest olives in the world (village Lug, the island Pag, Croatia), www.novalja.hr
You will recognize quality oil by its density, color and smell. The best olive oils are labeled “extra virgin.” It must not have a strong smell and taste because this taste is most often a reflection of rancidity. The best oil is odorless or when it smells like fruit or grass. The taste of the oil may be reminiscent of olive fruit, tropical fruit or grass. Characteristic and piquancy or mild bitterness felt in the throat is desirable. In addition to being healthy and delicious, olive oil is also in the service of beauty. It makes hair shiny and beautiful as well it is a great anti-aging agent that ensures longevity.
It would be a shame to come to Croatia and not taste this liquid gold. We warmly recommend to you if you will spend your holiday in Croatia to experience olive oil tasting or to buy a bottle of oil for yourself or your loved ones as a lovely souvenir from Croatia. We are convinced that this will be a sufficient reason to fall in love with Croatian olive oils and return to Croatia again.
If you want to experience olive oil tasting with us, let us give you an unforgettable memory by sending us an email of inquiry. Our olive grower partners and we will be honored to provide you a divine experience of olive oil tasting.