Every year there are numerous exhibitions around Croatia where small olive oil makers gather and present their oils to the competition and customers. They are all absolute winners but, as you know, there are a few that bring rewards home. There are many expos and competitions around the world as well. We are talking about major players from all around the world and Mediterranean countries are the ones who are the best. On that scene, extra virgin olive oil from Croatia for the past few years has achieved immense success. For us, there is no surprise in the fact that Croatian oils are amazing, people here have been producing them for centuries. Olive growing and oil production is one of the oldest activities in the municipality of Marina near Trogir. Here you can find the Mitlo olive processing plant, one of the most modern mills in the area. The operation of the oil mill is based on cold processing, which is the future of olive oil production. The oil mill offers transportation to olive growers who cannot bring their own olives. In addition to olive processing, it is also possible to buy the oil in the oil mill.
But, do you know how much time and energy olive harvest takes? If you have never tried it, we suggest you to come in late October, beginning of November and try it. You will appreciate this edible liquid gold so much more. But you will enjoy the picking as well. It is tiring, but at the same time, special and happy moment for many people in Dalmatia. Families and friends gather and move from one field to another, harvesting olives that are later pressed and bottled for personal use or for selling. There is a special vibe that is in the air on those days. You pick the olives, you talk and eat at least two meals in the field (and that food tastes sensational because of the whole experience, even though it is quite simple), and at the end of the day, you can feel all the muscles in your body. So, it’s a win-win situation.
Walking through the green market, you will notice the bottles of green-gold liquid. They are packed in various colored bottles, from the see-through to dark green. Many of the sellers even offer you to try one before buying.
If you have never had homemade extra virgin olive oil, you might find the taste to be quite strong, but don’t worry, it needs to be like that. Pour it on your fish, your grilled meat, pasta, risotto… Cut up some tomatoes, sprinkle some sea salt and extra virgin olive oil you bought at the market, get yourself a nice piece of sourdough bread and just enjoy the simplicity and flavors. Make yourself toasty olive oil granola and enjoy the taste of Dalmatia when you get home every morning. We are blessed to be able to enjoy it every day.
