Archive for July 26th, 2010

Posted on July 26, 2010 - by napavalleyolivegrowers

Italian Olives

Olive trees have been considered sacred in Italy for many years.  “Olive oil, or ‘Liquid Gold’, as Homer (the great poet) so rightly named it, has been used throughout history in cooking, skin care and as a medicine.  It has been considered a divine ‘gift’ from the Gods and nature by many cultures throughout history… The olive’s strong Mediterranean symbolism clearly creates a valid nuance in the Italianate garden and its pacifying grey color creates the perfect, shimmering backdrop for many Mediterranean plans” (1).

It is said that some of the oldest olive trees come from Italy.  With the history of Italy’s olive-based culture, it would only be natural to assume that the country produces some of the finest olive trees in the world.  The quality of the olives has been identified by olive oil enthusiasts world-wide and has led to an increase in Italian olive groves internationally.

In 2004, there were over 350 varieties of olive trees identified in Italy.  While many varieties are cultivated, three main olive varietals thrive world-wide: Frantoio, Pendolino, and Leccino.  While Tuscany proves to be one of the best regions to grow olives in Italy, there are many other olive-growing regions within Italy: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Puglia, Sardgna, Sicilia, Trentino, Umbria, and Veneto.  The trees growing in these regions produce a wide range of flavors depending on the region in which they are grown in.  While the flavors vary, Italian olives tend to produce bold oil with a peppery kick.

Try one of our local Napa Valley oils, which contain Italian olive varietals, and it will make you feel like you’re soaring over the hills of Tuscany.

Source (1): Lifeinitaly.com