World-class Istrian Olive Oil

Istria has a long history of nurturing olives and because of it, Istria is well known for quality olive oil. The historical data shows us that the first olive groves existed around the year 50 AD, and the Roman Empire marked Istrian olive oils as the standard for production throughout the empire. In the world’s most important guide to olive oils – Flos Olei – Istria has been named the best olive growing region in the world, for several years in a row. 

A total of 79 producers from Istria are included in the guide. The standard of olive oils is still set in Istria! You can find out much more about the history and tradition of olive oil in Istria at the Olive Oil Museum in Pula.

There are a few things you need to know before you start exploring olive oils. The dominant varieties in Istria are oblica, rosinjola, bjelica, buža, and crnica. Also, there are others, but you will come across these most often. Look for oils labelled EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), which means they are only mechanically processed, with no other procedures. With a careful guide, you can learn a lot about varietal aromas, about pairing with food and about the possibilities that real virgin olive oil offers you.

After reading this, if you`re wondering what to buy as a souvenir, you know you can`t miss with Istrian olive oil, even as a gift. There are many local shops throughout Istria where you can taste and buy authentic olive oil. So, put it on your to-do list while visiting and exploring Istria.