It’s timeless,it’s beautiful and it’s the foundation of Italian cuisine. With its silver/green leaves,its fruit and the oil it produces…the olive tree is nothing short of AMAZING. What’s not to love about the olive tree? It is referenced throughout history,religion and sports and used as a symbol of peace and glory. The olive oil industry is one of Calabria’s largest industries producing some of the worlds best oil (I’m a bit biased of course but it is also true.) The variety that is native to Calabria and most predominant is the Carolea (aka Catanzarese-Nicastrese) As I’ve mentioned before,my family has a large olive grove and an olive mill in Calabria. It’s interesting to learn the ins and outs of the olive oil industry especially from a marketing standpoint and the impact that it has on so many families. In my next post I’ll dig deeper into the industry.
The season had just ended when I arrived but the work hasn’t as the trees need pruning,the mill needs cleaning and before you know it…another season will begin.
A few forgotten
Olive trees as far as the eye can see
Gorgeous pictures. I love everything about the olive tree:from its aesthetics to the wonderful oil it produces.
One of my goals is to help with the harvest and pressing of the oil.
Magical…such a lovely grove Joe
That photo with the spring flowers!!! Simply stunning.
Joe,I would love to taste olive oil from Calabria.
I am hooked on Ligurian olive oil right now,and I was addicted to the pricey stuff from Barbera for a while,but when you go thru a bottle every 2 weeks it was getting to be an expensive habit!