Tucked away in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia sits as a hidden gem pulsating with rich history, stunning landscapes, crystal clear beaches and culinary treasures. Among its numerous offerings, it’s most famous one is the golden elixir – Olive Oil, also recognized as Puglia’s liquid gold. Sit back and let me take you on an unforgettable tasting tour, marked conveniently on your Puglia map.
The Importance of Olive Oil in Puglia
Olive oil in Puglia is more than just condiment or even a way of life. It’s the heartbeat that pumps vitality into Puglia’s culture, economy, and tourism. Puglia, one of the regions of Italy, is often overlooked by tourists, but it is the silent king of Olive Oil production globally.
| Puglia’s Olive Oil Production | Data |
|---|---|
| Contribution to Italy’s olive oil production | 40% |
| Rest of Italy’s olive oil production | 60% |
The Olive Oil Making Process
The epic Puglia olive oil journey begins in the region’s sprawling olive groves, populating the landscape from Bari beach to the storied Trulli Alberobello. The picking is usually done by hand or with small rakes to protect the olive’s superior quality. Different types of olives are found across Puglia, key contributors to the diverse types of Puglia olive oil:
- Coratina
- Ogliarola
- Leccino
- Cellina di Nardò
Must-Visit Olive Oil Farms & Mills in Puglia
The olive oil farms and mills should be highlighted on your Puglia travel guide. A couple of must-visits include:
- Masseria Brancati – Near Ostuni, this masseria offers an olive oil tour where you walk amidst ancient olive trees.
- Antico Frantoio Muraglia – Known for traditional granite millstones.
Olive Oil Tasting in Puglia
An olive oil tasting tour isn’t only about visiting mills. A significant part is dedicated to exciting your taste buds. Here are a few tips for olive oil tasting:
- Color doesn’t matter – The tastes can lie anywhere between peppery, grassy, nutty or even fruity.
- Sniff – A big part of the tasting experience is in the smell. Warmer oil tends to release more aromas, so don’t hesitate to give the oil a good swirl.
Pairing Olive Oil with Puglia’s Regional Cuisine
After an olive oil tasting, you might find yourself questioning how to maximize the use of your newly purchased bottles of Puglia olive oil. Olive oil serves as a star in Puglia’s gastronomy:
- Focaccia – Infused with olive oil
- Taralli – Unleavened dough rings fabulous with the olive oil dip
- Friselle – Twice-baked bread rounds, drizzled with olive oil
The Other ‘Liquid Gold’ – Puglia Wines
Wine? In Puglia? Absolutely! Puglia wine is as phenomenal as its olive oil. A wine tasting visit promises an opportunity to further seep in Puglia’s rich culture and traditions.
An exciting journey through olive groves on your Puglia travel will leave you familiar with the complete process from tree to bottle, and table. Offering much more than Italian words can explain, Puglia unlocks an enchanting blend of history, culture, cuisine, landscapes, and tastes.
A glance at Puglia maps or Puglia Google maps will give a sense of the stretch, but only by being here, one can truly experience this remarkable land. Pack your bags, bookmark your Puglia travel guide, locate Italy airports, and get ready to travel to Puglia to uncover a treasure trove of shimmering olive oils. After all, where is Puglia if not at the heart of all wanderlust dreams!
