Olive Growing in the Zadar Region
November 25, 2024 Blog
In today’s blog, I want to introduce my favorite topic – olive growing! Olives and olive oil are symbols of this region. This thousand-year tradition is deeply rooted in Dalmatian culture and passed down through generations. Archaeological and literary evidence suggests that the first records of olive growing date back to ancient Rome. Romans realized the importance of olive oil in daily life and trade.
The best place to uncover the secrets of ancient olive cultivation is Ugljan, the island closest to Zadar. It is covered with excellent olive groves. In the town of Muline, there is an ancient villa with buildings used for olive processing. Olives are my love and passion, passed down to me by my father. The first year I harvested olives was a completely new experience. I knew nothing about it. Friends came one by one, making the process joyful. In the end, the olive oil turned out better than ever.
Various types of olives are grown in the Zadar region, with the most famous native varieties being Oblica, Lastovka, and Drobnica. To this day, the practice of hand-picking olives has been preserved, ensuring the quality of the fruit. Olive harvesting is more than just a task – it is a gathering of family and friends. It has become a symbol of unity, tradition, and life.
Olive growing – processing
After the harvest, olives are transported to oil mills. In the past, manual presses were used, while today olives are pressed in modern mills that combine traditional methods with new technologies. Cold pressing is considered the best method as it preserves all the nutritional values and aromas of the oil.
Today, Zadar’s olive oil is recognized as a high-quality product, with many producers winning awards at international competitions. Olive growing is becoming an increasingly important part of tourism, as visitors eagerly participate in workshops, tastings, and tours of olive groves and mills. This blend of tradition and modernity allows olive growers in the Zadar region to preserve their heritage while attracting new generations who appreciate natural and high-quality products.
Thank you for taking the time to read and share my passion for olive growing. Although I have experienced setbacks – literally, falling from an olive tree—my love for olives has always been stronger than any challenge. If you want to experience olive groves in their full glory, the best time to visit is late October and early November, when nature tells the most beautiful stories through the harvest and golden olive fruits.