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Discover The Unique Flavors Of Croatian Olive Oil Across Its Regions
Written by Selo Olive.
If you’re looking for a taste of Croatian culinary delights, look no further than its world-renowned olive oil. From small diners to Michelin-star restaurants, you can find this flavourful product all around the globe. Despite being a small country with limited production, Croatia boasts some of the best olive oil in the world, with each region offering its own unique and unmatched flavor profile.
To help you navigate this delicious world, we’ve put together a guide to Croatian olive oil flavors. So, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, come discover the delicious tastes of Croatia!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil From Istria And Kvarner
The regions of Istria and Kvarner have a long history of producing exceptional-quality olive oil and wine. Istria, in particular, has been known for its wine and olive production dating back to Roman times. Brijuni, Barbariga, and Pore are recognized as major producers of olive oil, with native olives such as bua, istarska bjelica, oblica, crnica, roinjola, and bua puntoa contributing to the region’s numerous major awards.
The oldest olives in the world can be found on the island of Pag, where the village of Lun is home to thousand-year-old olive trees. The Lun olive grove covers an area of approximately 86 hectares and has around 80,000 olive trees, including the world’s oldest olive tree dating back over 1,600 years. The wind has sculpted these trees into magnificent works of art, making each olive tree unique.
North Dalmatian Olive Oil
In North Dalmatia, olive production occurs on modest-sized plantations, with many portions smaller than a hectare. The most common olive varieties grown in this region are Oblica, Drobnica, Levantinka, Mastrinka, and Karbunela, with Oblica being regarded as a native variety that can withstand severe winds and survive in poor and shallow soil.
More than a million trees are being grown today in the region, which includes Stari Grad to Rogoznica and nearby islands such as Dugi Otok, Ugljan, Pasman, Silba, Molat, Ist, Murter, and Kornati.
Olive Oil From Central Dalmatia
Dalmatia boasts an impressive five million olive trees, surpassing the population of Croatia. Brač, the largest island, alone cultivates approximately 500,000 trees. Dalmatia’s abundance of sunshine, clocking in at 2,600 hours per year, contributes to the region’s success in olive farming – a feature celebrated by Selo Olive, a family-run olive oil producer based in Tinj village near Zadar.
Dalmatian olive oil’s exceptional flavor is owed to its peppery notes, indicative of its high polyphenol content – a group of healthful antioxidants. As a first-time purchaser, it’s crucial to note that you have chanced upon one of the world’s top olive oil-producing areas. It’s no wonder that every gastronomic chef desires a taste of the liquid Mediterranean gold in their kitchen. Our limited olive oil stock ensures that only the fortunate few will relish the opportunity to acquire a bottle.
Olive Oil From South Dalmatia
The southeastern Dubrovnik-Neretva region is renowned for its exceptional olive oil production. This area encompasses Dalmatia, Herzegovina, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and is blessed with fertile soil thanks to the Neretva River.
Dubrovnik’s organic olive oils have received international recognition, earning numerous accolades in global competitions. The small island of Šipan may surprise visitors with its abundance of olive-related marvels. The island holds the Guinness World Record for the highest number of olive trees relative to its surface area and population. A local legend from Šipan suggests that every young girl aspiring to wed plants olive trees, which could explain the impressive number of olives in the region!
Croatian olive oil offers a taste of the country’s rich history and unique flavors. From the small plantations of North Dalmatia to the abundant olive groves of Central and South Dalmatia, each region offers its distinct blend of flavors and aromas. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the delicious world of Croatian olive oil is waiting to be explored.
So, why not try Selo Olive’s limited stock and experience the liquid Mediterranean gold for yourself? Come and taste the flavors of Croatia!
