Olive harvest in Tuscany!

It's olive harvest time in Tuscany and we can taste the new extra virgin olive oil!

I love olive oil - and I use it on everything. I love the colour, the smell, the texture...it has become a part of my lifestyle and a necessary ingredient at every meal. Is there anything better than the main products of this divine country? Wine, cheese and...olive oil!

As many of you know last year (2014) was a disastrous olive harvest - even called the 'Black Year' of Italian olive oil. The mild temperatures during last winter didn't manage to kill off harmful insects and bacteria and the humid spring and wet summer set the ideal conditions for them to proliferate madly. But this year is much better! It looks like it's going to be a pretty good harvest this year. I talked to some producers last weekend in Tuscany and they were very optimistic!

Olive oil production as wine production, has been an important economic resource in Italy since Etruscan Times. The Umbria and Tuscany regions with their hills, grounds, and climate allow the olive trees to grow and produce superior quality olives with low acidity.

Last weekend I visited the oliveoil farm of 'Marchetti Quirino' (tel nr +39 0578-23 86 49) just 5 min outside Cetona and took part of my very first olive harvest ever. You need to know that the olive harvest is one of the most fascinating experiences you can enjoy in Tuscany. This autumnal ritual is essential to Italy’s agrarian and culinary interests and it´s a wonderful way to learn about traditions and local culture. Although clever maschinces can be used to get the olives from the trees much of the work is done by hands. Arms can get quite worn out! But, it was one of those lovely autumn mornings with a bright sun and blue skyes and in between work and lots of talking & laughters we enjoyed a few aperitivos Tuscan style!

If you would be around Tuscany give them a call & visit their place. As the harvest has only started you might have the possibility to join and enjoy the Tuscan lifestyle with your very first oilve harvest ever!

This weekend I will go back and try the oil 'Marchetti Quirino' and will tell you all about it!

Happy Harvest!

Salla