On the trail of olive growing in Tuscany

Olive oil is a popular product produced throughout Italy. It is popularly consumed and has a positive effect on health. Liquid gold is often used around the world to prepare meals.

The manufacture of olive oil has a long tradition in Tuscany, as does wine growing. Olive cultivation in Tuscany is part of the culture of this region. The olive tree has been cultivated in Tuscany for many centuries, and so there are stories and myths about this plant. Nowadays, olive growing is the livelihood of many Tuscan farmers who tend their olive groves at an altitude of 300 to 500 meters.

Although Tuscany is mainly famous for its viticulture, the olive oil produced benefits from one early harvest in the year, and results in a particularly delicious end product. The oil from Tuscany is known to be fruity, soft, golden yellow and of high quality. Fresh, cold-pressed olive oil labeled “extra virgin” is still cloudy and green in color. It contains a maximum of one percent fatty acid, the less, the more beneficial. Therefore it is also extremely digestible and tasty.

The production of the high quality olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is produced with a lot of effort. The labor of the quality product also justifies the high price. At the beginning of production, the olives are usually harvested manually. The semi-ripe olives are picked individually or collected in safety nets. The latter is accompanied by the stripping of the olives from the branches of the olive tree.

The fruits are harvested with particular care and caution, as pressure points on the fruits have an immediate effect on the quality of the end product. If the acidity rises at harvest, the quality of the olive oil is poor. After the harvest, the olives are transported directly to the oil mill, where heavy millstones grind the fruit. The resulting olive mash is then pressed between two mats. Now the fruit juice and pulp separate so that the olive oil obtained can be skimmed off.

Olive oil from Tuscany is of certified quality, as Extra olive oil Tuscany IGP, available in the stores. The green gold is grown in many areas in Tuscany. Which villages and places in the middle of olive groves they are from Arezzo to Pisa, via Siena and Florenceis explained below.

The region around Arezzo

all around Arezzo, especially in Valdichiana area, many traditions have been preserved. Castiglione Fiorentino, is a symbol of the local regional culture because of its traditional handicraft. The cuisine of the area benefits from the variety of high quality products in this region. Excellent red and white wines are served with dishes with fine truffles and cheese. The excellent local olive oil crowns every single dish.

The region around Lucca

By the Valle del Serchio, Montecarlo, Versilia and Colline Lucchesi runs the Wine and Oil Route. The wonderfully beautiful landscape is not the only attraction in the area around Lucca. The original flavors of the excellent extra virgin olive oil accompany many local dishes. The hearty cuisine offers, for example, the Garmugia, a regional stew, or the filled dumplings known as Tordelli. Excellent liqueurs are also produced here, such as the Biadina or China Massagli.

The region around Siena

Siena is a magnet for many travelers to Italy. But not just the small town, but also the important olive growing regions around it Siena are worth a visit. Most significant in Terre the Siena are San Gimignano, Siena, Radiocondoli, Rapolana, Monteriggioni and Murlo.

The is world famous for its wine Region Chianti. Here, among others, Radda in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Poggibonsi are important olive-growing areas. In the idyllic Val d'Orcia are Pienza, Montalcino, Castiglione d'Orcia and San Quirico d'Orcia are particularly worth seeing. The Valdichina Senese area with its towns is similarly picturesque Montepulciano, Sinalunga, Trequanda, Cetona, Chiusi and San Casciano dei Bagni. Excellent olive oils are also produced here.

The region around Livorno

The traditional olive oil production can also be found in the vicinity of Livorno. The hilly area is ideal for growing olives. For this reason, here are also some of the best growing areas for extra virgin olive oils. All around Castagneto Carducci, Suvereto and Rosignano Marittimo there are experienced olive growers and olive mills. During a visit here you can see how old traditions and modern techniques for olive oil production come together.

The region around Grosseto

The best olive oils in Tuscany are made in the area of Grosseto, in the localities of Castel del Pian, Arcidosso, Seggiano and Cinigiano. The special fertile one Growing area around the Monte Amiata is very suitable for Italian agriculture. For this reason, not only olives, but also wine are grown here. Along the Montecucco gourmet and wine route, there are many typical specialties produced in the region that should be tried. In the hinterland of the region you can visit the towns of Semproniano, Scansano and Pitigiliano. On the coast side you can find many producers of very good olive oils in Gavorrano, Capalbio, Roccastrada and Massa Marittima. This is also a good place to stop to try typical regional specialties, such as bread soup.

The region around Florence

If you visit Tuscany, you must also explore Florence. But not only the historic city is worth a visit. There are many places around Florence that are characterized by olive growing. the Montalbano Wine and Olive Oil Route inspires every year between November and January with special insights into the olive harvest. Places like Vinci and Greve in Chianti are not only well-known wine-growing areas, but also well suited for growing olives. in the Val di Pesa It is worth visiting an olive farmer in one of the towns of San Casciano, Tavarnelle, Bagno a Ripoli, Montaione and Calenzano. During this visit it is also a good idea to try the Florentine cuisine, in which the regional olive oil is often used. It can be found in bruschetta and the classic Florentine vegetable stew.

The region around Pisa

Should you visit on your trip through Tuscany Pisa If you stop off, it's also a good idea to take a short detour into the surrounding area. Olive farmers who produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil can be found in Buti, Vicopisano, Riparbella and Montescudaio. The former are on the local oil roadthat presents its visitors with a wonderful landscape on its way through the mountains. Not only olive groves, but also pine and chestnut groves line the many small paths for hiking trips in the vicinity of Pisa.