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Olive oil: the treasure of Ibiza

Written on : 19 May 2020
By : Léa Frémiot
Olive oil: the treasure of Ibiza

You already know Ibiza for its special gastronomy , its cultural heritage and its magnificent creeks ? At Villanovo we set out to discover its agriculture and more particularly a resource that is so dear to the island: olive oil. Olive oil has been cultivated on Ibiza for generations and is one of the key ingredients in the island's delicious Mediterranean cuisine . Discover the secrets of this richness that make up the identity of this beautiful island. 

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Towards an evolution of production

Towards an evolution of production

Although it is an ancestral know-how and the first productions date back to -450 B.C. the production of olive oil on the island has exploded only in the recent years. Today, many cooperatives and production units of both small and large producers are flourishing. The Oli d'Eivissa brand was created, among other things, to certify the quality of the oil and to acknowledge that it was produced on the island. Today, 9 producers in Ibiza are recognised by this brand, whose oils must pass various checks to ensure their purity.  The methods of olive oil production vary greatly according to the different farmers. Whether it is in terms of production processes, the ecological nature or in terms of the varieties used. The main varieties used to date are those of arbequina, picual and empeltre. However, new varieties are being introduced which allow olive oil production to be diversified and bring a touch of novelty to existing oils, particularly in terms of flavour. 
 
Several olive growers say that 2019 was a particularly fruitful year for them, both in terms of quantity and quality. The recently introduced Protected Geographical Indication of Origin now allows producers who wish to benefit from it to affix a new label mentioning Ibiza on their bottles. This year is, therefore, a turning point in the production of olive oil, but also an additional, worldwide recognition of the know-how of the island's producers. The prestige of the oil produced is also due to the high quality of Ibiza's soils, which tend to be calcareous, but also to the ideal climate, with sunny days throughout the year and mild temperatures even in winter. You will not be surprised to come across olive trees all over the island, as their cultivation is favoured. At Villanovo we recommend that you make the most of your stay in Ibiza by visiting olive groves and buying some local oil as a souvenir. Joan Benet, a renowned producer, proposes you to discover the secrets of his production through a visit (by appointment and in small groups) of the olive groves. A tasting will also be offered to discover the best of his oils, which are marketed under the name Oli d'Ibiza and served in the best restaurants on the island. 
 Although it is an ancestral know-how and the first productions date back to -450 B.C. the production of olive oil on the island has exploded only in the recent years. Today, many cooperatives and production units of both small and large producers are flourishing. The Oli d'Eivissa brand was created, among other things, to certify the quality of the oil and to acknowledge that it was produced on the island. Today, 9 producers in Ibiza are recognised by this brand, whose oils must pass various checks to ensure their purity.  The methods of olive oil production vary greatly according to the different farmers. Whether it is in terms of production processes, the ecological nature or in terms of the varieties used. The main varieties used to date are those of arbequina, picual and empeltre. However, new varieties are being introduced which allow olive oil production to be diversified and bring a touch of novelty to existing oils, particularly in terms of flavour. 
 
Several olive growers say that 2019 was a particularly fruitful year for them, both in terms of quantity and quality. The recently introduced Protected Geographical Indication of Origin now allows producers who wish to benefit from it to affix a new label mentioning Ibiza on their bottles. This year is, therefore, a turning point in the production of olive oil, but also an additional, worldwide recognition of the know-how of the island's producers. The prestige of the oil produced is also due to the high quality of Ibiza's soils, which tend to be calcareous, but also to the ideal climate, with sunny days throughout the year and mild temperatures even in winter. You will not be surprised to come across olive trees all over the island, as their cultivation is favoured. At Villanovo we recommend that you make the most of your stay in Ibiza by visiting olive groves and buying some local oil as a souvenir. Joan Benet, a renowned producer, proposes you to discover the secrets of his production through a visit (by appointment and in small groups) of the olive groves. A tasting will also be offered to discover the best of his oils, which are marketed under the name Oli d'Ibiza and served in the best restaurants on the island. 
 
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