The most popular Croatian olive oil regions

The middle of October in coastal Croatia means one thing – the olive harvest season! Did you know that, although the quantity of olive oil produced in Croatia represents only a small drop compared to the world's largest producers, almost all serious Croatian olive growers have extraordinary oils? Croatian oils receive awards in Manhattan, Madrid, Berlin, Bari, Japan... Olive groves are present along the entire Croatian coast (and its hinterland) and production is mainly concentrated on smaller family farms.

Here is a list of several Croatian regions that today stand out as leaders in the production of this “liquid gold”, as olive oil has been called since ancient times:

1. Istria - according to the world-famous extra virgin olive oil guide Flos Olei, Istria has been declared the world's best quality extra virgin olive oil region for several years. Istrian olive growers are among the 500 best from 54 olive-growing countries with a total share of as much as 14%. Olives have been grown in Istria for over 2000 years, and olive oil is an Istrian authentic high-quality product. It is produced from local varieties called Istarska Belica, Buža, Karbonaca, Črnica, Žižolera, Rošinjola, Puntoža, Leccino, Frantoio, Moraiolo, Pendolino, and Picholine. Istrian olive oil has bright green color, is very fragrant, and has a complex aroma of green fruit and aromatic herbs.

2. Šolta – on the island of Šolta in central Dalmatia olive oil is produced from the local Levantinka and Oblica olive varieties. Olive trees have been growing on Šolta since ancient times and are a symbol of this island. Šolta’s climate with hot and dry summers and exposure to northern wind called “Bura”, as well as specific soil composition, results in extraordinary olive oil with a specific taste and aroma. The quality of this product is proven through regional and international awards that olive oil from Šolta has been receiving for many years.

3. Brač – another Dalmatian island famous for its olive grows is Brač, placed right next to Šolta. Extra-virgin olive oil from Brač is made from the native Oblica olives which must account for at least 80% of the content, while other olives must also come from the island's registered olive groves. Brač olive oil received the European Protected Designation of Origin, which means that this mark on the packaging guarantees the consumer the purchase of an authentic product. It is characterized by balanced bitterness and spiciness, fruitiness, and the smell of fresh olive fruit, leaves, and grass.

4. Korčula - the olive oil made on the island of Korčula is the extra virgin olive oil obtained directly from the fruits of indigenous varieties of Lastovka and Drobinca olives, separately or in combination, in a proportion of at least 80%. Very high daily temperatures and many sunny hours on the island favor the cultivation and growth of olives, especially these local varieties, which are extremely resistant to drought. The production area of olive oil covers the entire island of Korčula, so around 1000 farms and 10 oil mills are engaged in the cultivation of olives and the production of olive oil on the island. This olive oil is bright green, piquant, and pleasantly bitter with notes of green olive leaves, green fruits, and aromatic herbs.

Want to try these amazing oils and see the beauty of olive groves in Croatia?