11/04/2024
OLIVE HARVEST SEASON IN ITALY
I've been to Italy twice, but never during olive harvest, and it's always been on my list to go during this special time of year. I know I am not alone- so I figured- LET'S DO THIS! Time slips away so fast and I am newly adopting the mantra of JUST DO IT. Why do I hold back so often? Silly excuses keep us from living extraordinary lives and I want no more part of that!
I have planned an incredible trip for us to an Italian farmhouse, where we will get a front row seat to witness this tradition.(and even help a little!)
We will get some time to assist with the harvest, take photos, video, and talk with the harvesters- then we will take a trip to the mill (or frantiolIo) to learn how the olives are pressed to make the oil.
From late October to early December, groves across the Italian countryside come alive with activity as families and communities gather to harvest the precious fruit that has been a cornerstone of Mediterranean culture for centuries.
As the crisp air of autumn settles over the landscape, the olive trees, with their silvery-green leaves, become heavy with ripe fruit, signaling the start of the harvest. Families and communities often come together for this labor-intensive but deeply rewarding process, carrying on age-old traditions that have been passed down through the generation. We are so thrilled to be a part of this.
Harvesting olives is a demanding task, requiring both skill and patience. Traditionally, olives are picked by hand or gently shaken from the branches onto large nets spread out beneath the trees to catch the falling fruit. This method ensures that the olives remain undamaged, preserving their flavor and quality.
Once the olives have been gathered, they are carefully transported to the local frantoio, or olive mill, where they undergo the process of pressing to extract their precious oil. Frantoioli, as these mills are affectionately called, play a vital role in the olive harvest season, serving as hubs of activity where farmers bring their olives to be transformed into liquid gold.
At the frantoio, the olives are meticulously sorted and cleaned before being fed into the stone or stainless-steel presses. The cold-press method, which involves crushing the olives without the use of heat or chemicals, is preferred for producing extra virgin olive oil, prized for its superior taste and health benefits.
As the olives are pressed, a rich, fragrant oil begins to flow, filling the air with its distinctive aroma. This freshly pressed oil, known as novello, is eagerly anticipated by olive enthusiasts for its vibrant flavor and intense fruity notes.
The olive harvest season is not just a time of hard work and toil; it is also a time of celebration and camaraderie. In many regions, harvest festivals and feasts are held to mark the occasion, featuring traditional music, dancing, and, of course, plenty of delicious food prepared with freshly pressed olive oil.
For those fortunate enough to experience the olive harvest season in Italy, it is a time of connection - to the land, to tradition, and to the simple pleasures of life. As the sun sets over the rolling hills and the scent of freshly pressed olives lingers in the air, one cannot help but feel grateful for the bounty of the season and the timeless beauty of this cherished tradition.
There is a link in the comments of an example of what olive harvest season looks like. :)
Won't you join us in Tuscany for the experience?
Harvesting Joy: Rediscovering Yourself Amidst Tuscan Beauty
Join us from October 15th to 22nd, 2024, as we journey to the heart of Italy's picturesque Tuscany region for an unforgettable adventure: "Harvesting Joy: Rediscovering Yourself Amidst Tuscan Beauty."
This transformative trip promises to nourish your spirit, awaken your senses, and ignite your inner joy as we explore the rich culture and natural beauty of this iconic destination.
During our time in Tuscany, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Stay in a charming Italian farmhouse nestled amidst an active olive grove and vineyard, where you'll immerse yourself in the rhythms of nature.
- Participate in the active olive harvest season, connecting with the land and the ancient traditions of olive cultivation.
- Embark on a truffle hunting experience, delving into the secrets of this culinary treasure and forging a deeper connection with the earth.
- Practice the art of cooking Italian cuisine with a hands-on cooking lesson from a local chef, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious meals that nourish body and soul.
- Explore the historic cities of Florence and San Gimignano, where you'll discover centuries of art, culture, and history that will inspire and enchant you.
- Engage in intentional travel practices, daily inner work activities, and guided reflections designed to deepen your self-awareness, cultivate mindfulness, and foster personal growth.
SIGN UP HERE: https://www.soulseekertravelco.com/tuscany-italy