As a symbol of the the Mediterranean, olive oil has always been much more than an ordinary food ingredient. Olive oil production in Istria has a long manufacturing tradition which is is runned by autonomous olive makers. In fact, at the international exibitions, Istrian olive oils are often awarded as being one of the best oils in the entire world. Therefore, if you’re on holiday in Istria, take a tour of the Olive Oil roads and learn all the details concerning Istrian oil makers, olive growers, cellars and small taverns.
Did you know that Istria was named best olive oil region in the world? Approximately 60 of its oils were listed among the highest quality oils in the world, and many of them come from the northwestern Istria. Part of this elite group is the multi-awarded Vergal extra virgin olive oil produced by the Aminess hotel company from Novigrad.
Liquid gold from Novigrad
Aminess has two olive groves close to its hotels and campsites with a total of 1836 olive trees of several cultivars such as Leccino, Frantoio, Pendolino and Istarska bjelica. Each one gives the oil of a specific aroma, which is the perfect seasoning to every Mediterranean dish. Aside from the exceptional taste, like all high quality extra virgin olive oils, Vergal is remarkably healthy being rich in unsaturated fats, polyphenol and vitamin E.
Winner of many international awards
At the 2017 international olive oil competition in New York, Vergal Frantoio won the most prestigious award in the „Best of Class“category beating the competition of more than 800 producers from 26 countries around the world. Vergal is also part of the standard selection of Flos Olei, a specialized guide to the best extra virgin olive oils, and winner of several medals and certificates of quality.
A precious souvenir and the perfect gift for any occasion
If you want to take a memento of your holiday in Istria or share the taste of your unique experience with loved ones then a specially packaged bottle of Vergal is your best option. You will find it at Aminess properties in Novigrad as well as in the specialized web shop. Spicy or fruity, monovarietal or a blend – choose the Vergal that will pair perfectly with your favourite dishes and enjoy the top-quality fruits of Istrian olives!
Olive tree is the oldest known planted tree on Earth that has been around some 6,000 years ago. It is a symbol of the Mediterranean countries, warm climates where it has found its home.
Liquid gold
An olive branch is a symbol of peace while the olive oil, due to its structure, a sign of longevity and overall good health and an inevitable ingredient to any Mediterranean dish. It were the Phoenicians who brought it to the Mediterranean basin, the Greeks considered olives a sacred fruit, while the Romans believed that olive oil and wine will secure one’s longevity and they used it extensively not only in cuisine but as a beauty aids as well. Today the benefits of olive oil are celebrated world-wide.
The history of olive oil
In Istria, olive oil dates back to the Greek and Roman times – olive oil presses were recovered from the island of Brijuni some 2,000 years ago.
Olive oil as a compoLiquid goldnent of Istrian cuisine
Olive oil is part of the Istrian lifestyle and cuisine and today you can enjoy many varieties of olive oil with different food. Many restaurants and konobas in Istria serve different types of olive oil and you can even choose between different olive oil varieties with you lunch, such as pendolino, lecciono, buza or bjelica that are grown and produced in Istria.
The medicinal and preventative properties of olive oil
Health, nutritional and overall wellbeing effects of olive oil have been known from the ancient times: being easily digested, olive oil is good for the bones, joints, liver and skin and as a strong anti-cancer prevention. Having a high percentage of non-saturated fats, olive oil is excellent for one’s heart and l blood vessels; it lowers the “bad” cholesterol and keeps the level of the good cholesterol up. It is advised by medical authorities worldwide to include olive oil in everyday nutrition – that is the reason the Mediterranean diet has been called the healthiest one for it uses olive oil as a basic nutrient.
Olive oil in the service of beauty
The beauty aspects of olive oil are exceptional: it contains anti-oxidants, vitamins A, D, K and E that are crucial in anti-ageing process of the skin. It is excellent not only for the skin, but used in creams and body peelings, in treatments for the hair and nails. Cleopatra used to take baths with olive oil that left her skin smooth and shiny like many noble women after her who used olive oil for shiny and healthy looking hair.
Extra virgin olive oil
Mediterranean cuisine celebrates olive oil, particularly the extra virgin olive oil that is highly valued, thanks to high levels of anti-oxidants. Various fish and meat dishes, salads and vegetables (grilled, cooked or baked) and more often today desserts such as chocolate variations of desserts are enhanced by the subtle yet full flavored taste of the olive oil. Istria boasts some of the world’s best olive oil produced: some 40 producers of extra virgin olive oil are listed in the guidebook Flos Olei, a Bible of a sort on world’s best extra virgin olive oil.
