Say Yes to Olive Oil Tasting at an Istrian Olive Grove
4 minOlive growing in Istria has a centuries-long tradition. Even the ancient Romans produced exceptional olive oil on Istrian soil and transported it to their land using amphoras in their ships. The oldest olive tree on the Brijuni islands is 1.600 years old, which is really impressive. During the last 20 years, Istria has sealed its position on the world map as one of the best olive oil regions according to the Flos Olei guide.
With the aforementioned in mind, we recommend you taste the Istrian extra virgin olive oil in restaurants and “konobas” (local taverns), at home when preparing your meals, or directly at olive groves. For instance, you can visit the Monte Formento olive grove, located in Kaštelir near Poreč and discover the history of their olive growing, the awards they are proud of, as well as why olive oil is so good for your health and why it should be consumed. That is exactly what we did, and we were impressed by everything we learnt during our olive oil tasting journey and who we met along the way.
Enjoy the view of the terrace at the Monte Formento olive grove
Slow Living in Istria
When you visit the olive grove, you meet the authentic Istrian way of life, and you also stop for a moment to embrace the slow living lifestyle surrounded by nature and olive trees growing in the garden and fields. Besides tasting the different types of olive oil, you can also try out the wine and the “grappa” brandy, along with the most delicious prosciutto, cheese, pancetta and sausages. And if you are lucky enough, you will also have the chance to meet the three lovable donkeys without which this typically Istrian little world would not be the same!
Educational Component of Olive Oil Tasting
At the Monte Formento olive grove, they call themselves a sales centre, but also an educational one. The precious liquid gold that the Grebac family produces is sold directly from the owners (95%) and the rest is shipped abroad, mostly in Europe. But before selling it, they first explain to their guests the nutritional values and positive effects that quality olive oil has on our health. For instance, did you know that consuming olive oil can prevent cancers as well as cardiovascular diseases? Moreover, the abundance of antioxidants is a real gift to your body and soul.
Table with two bottles of Grebac olive oil and typical Istrian food, ready to be tasted
118-Year-Long Tradition
Today, the family estate, olive growing and other agricultural production of Monte Formento is managed by Karlo Grebac and his father Fiorentino Grebac. The estate was founded, planting the first olive trees back in 1906, by Karlo’s great-great-grandfather Mateo Kovač. Year after year, they planted new olives, and today, they have 1.200 of them, namely the Pendolino, Leccino, Buža, Bianchera, Frantoio and Moraiolo varieties.
118-year-long tradition of Grebac family in oil production
Pairing Olive Oil and Food
During our visit, we were informed on how to pair different types of olive oil with different foods. We will certainly take it into consideration when making our olive oil purchase. Sweet oils go well with boiled fish and vegetables, as well as ice cream. Harmonious oils go well with boiled vegetables, grilled fish, antipasto meat and salads. The spicy and bitter ones go well with bruschettas, minestrone, grilled red meat and grilled vegetables.
We also discovered that the “apple mousse” cake is made of olive oil, raisins and apple, and that the recipe dates from 1893. It is so delicious and, we guess, easy to make!
Discover the recipe of “apple mousse” which dates from 1893, on the picture with krostula, another typical Istrian delicacy
Numerous Awards
The superior quality of the Grebac oils has been confirmed by numerous awards, such as three inclusions in the Flos Olei guide to the world’s best oils, seven gold medals at the largest regional olive evaluation in Split, and two gold medals at the Liquid Green Gold of Istria exhibition in Tar.
Great Choice of Olive Oil Experiences in Istria
We are sure that you don’t have any doubt as to whether you should taste the Istrian olive oil – the only doubt is which one it would be! The choice is big, and here’s the list of olive oil producers so you can have a look.
Enjoy the view of the olive tree in the olive grove in Istria
If you are more interested in the history of olive oil production, why not visit the Olive Oil Museum in Pula? It will certainly give you a new perspective. Besides, if you visit Istria during the autumn months, from early October to mid-November, you also have the chance to join the olive harvest. It is an authentic local experience and certainly not to be missed!
