Olive Oil, Portugal
Portuguese Olive Oil is the slightly thick aroma, greenish-yellow or golden in color, sweeter or spicy, bitter, fruity, and intense or mild. There are six regions with DOP ( Designation of Origin of Production) for this local product. The olive oil regions are:
1. Trás os Montes;
2. Beira interior;
3. Ribatejo
4. Moura
5. Alentejo Interior
6. Norte Alentejano
All the regions have an amazing influence on wine since Portugal is divided (all country) into wine regions. It is common that wine producers have also some production of olive oil. All the country is strongly influenced by a Mediterranean climate, which has also impact on local gastronomy, besides the influence of the Age of Discoveries and relations with other countries.
Landscapes may change according to your location in the country. If you are located in Trás os Montes / Douro region, you might find more valleys and hills, which in Alentejo is planned. The sights are totally different. In a location called Belmonte, you will find the Olive Oil Museum as in Proença-a-Velha, called Complex of Lagares (facilities of Oil Presses).
Also in the center of the country, besides the natural course of the Tagus River, you will find the city of Tomar. His castle and Convent of Christ are classified as UNESCO World Heritage and there is the Long´s Oil Presses turned into a Museum. Back to the past ( 12th/13th century), it was the location of Knights Templar.
Olive Oil, the Olive production in Portugal
Alentejo has the largest area of the Portuguese Olive Oil production. It is possible to see and enjoy the three methods used on olive tree cultivation, which are:
1. Traditional;
2. Semi-Intensive;
3. Intensive;
From interior to the coastlined, the landscape is a mix of olive trees , vineyards and other agriculture. Visiting Moura, you will find another Olive Oil Museum called Olive Press of Varas do Fojo ( Lagar e Varas do Fojo) and in Campo Maior, the Viscount D´Olivá Palace Museum and Lagar.
The most modern techniques of planting olive groves are evident. You have also the possibility to visit some oil presses, which shows as demonstration the most advanced technology. Portugal is one of the major Olive Oil producer and exporter Worldwide. If you will be able to learn more about this product which is present in almost every dish. Taste the Portuguese gastronomy, you will love it.
Feel free to check other articles talking about local food or ingredients:
1. Portuguese Oranges
2. Algarve Sweets
3. Sardines
4. Portuguese food spicy?
5. Caldo Verde? (Portuguese Kale Soup)
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