We live in Dalmatia and olives are all around us. Right now, as I write these lines, I can see 3 olive trees through one window, 2 more on the other one, and there is a whole olive grove on the southern side of our house. Unfortunately, none of these olive trees belong to us. Winter life in Dalmatia revolves around olives and this region is known for some of the best olive oil in Croatia.
Like many others, we spend at least 10 days each year in harvesting olives and trying to get as much olive oil as we can for the year ahead. It’s the circle that never ends. So, we decided to write a dedicated article about Croatian olive oil, which is known as one of the best olive oils in Croatia.
Just kidding, it’s one of the most famous olive oils in the whole world. They are famous for their quality, rich flavor and Croatia has a thousand-year-old tradition of making this liquid gold. A large part of Croatia has a Mediterranean climate and a perfect balance of sun, soil and weather conditions, which are essential in producing high quality olive oil that Croatia has. In this guide, we’ll explore the history of olives in Croatia, what are some of the most common sorts, and where to buy the best Croatian olive oil.
A Brief History of Olive Oil in Croatia We won’t go in depth, but here are some interesting facts about olives in Croatia. Olive oil production in this country dates back over 2,000 years . It all began with the ancient Greeks and Romans who cultivated olive trees along the Adriatic coast and on the islands in Croatia . Many of the olive groves in Dalmatia and Istria today grow from trees that are centuries old.
In the Roman times, Croatian olive oil was highly valued across the whole Roman empire. There are many amphorae discovered on the bottom of the sea, which means that a lot of export of olive oil was happening back in those ancient times. Not much changed from that time and today, Croatia continues this olive oil tradition and produces some of the best olive oils in the world.
How to Say Olive Oil in Croatian If you’re coming to Croatia and interested in buying some Croatian olive oil, you might want to know how it is said in a local language. In Croatian, olive oil is called “maslinovo ulje.”
Maslina = OliveUlje = Oil
Always look for labels that say “Ekstra djevičansko maslinovo ulje” which means extra virgin olive oil . If it’s sold by the locals and written on the piece of cardboard, these count as some extra points.
Top Olive Oil Regions in Croatia When it comes to olives in Croatia, there are two main olive-growing regions:
1. Istria – The Olive Oil Capital of Croatia
Located in northern Croatia , Istria is the largest peninsula in Croatia and has been ranked as one of the best olive oil-producing regions in the world by Flos Olei , an international guide to the best olive oils.
Olive oil from Istria is known for its intense green color, grassy aromas, and slightly bitter flavors .
Top varieties of olives in Istria: Buža, Istarska Bjelica, Karbonaca, Rosinjola .
Many Istrian olive oils have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status , meaning proven authenticity and quality.
2. Dalmatia – The Heart of Ancient Olive Oil Production
Dalmatia is the region of Croatia that stretches along the Adriatic coast and islands . It’s a home to some of the oldest olive trees in Europe.
Dalmatian olive oils are usually softer, fruitier, and smoother than ones from Istria, with a golden color and hints of almonds and wild herbs .
Top varieties of Dalmatian olives: Oblica, Levantinka, Lastovka, Drobnica .
Croatian islands such as Korčula, Brač, Hvar, and Šolta are famous for their high-quality olive oils.
What Makes Croatian Olive Oil Special? From the sections above, you can already see that olive oil from Croatia is extraordinary. If something has such a long tradition that is kept to the modern times, you know that it will count. There are several factors that contribute to the superior quality of Croatian olive oil :
Hand-Picked Olives – Most Croatian olives are still harvested by hand which provides the best quality. We also do it that way, and most of the people we know too.Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin Quality – Croatian olive oil is primarily extra virgin which means it is extracted without the use of heat or any kind of chemicals. This is the best way of processing that preserves natural taste and nutrients.Small-Scale and High-Quality Production – Unlike mass-produced oils, Croatian olive oil is made in small batches with the focus on quality rather than quantity. Of course, there are some larger producers in Croatia that focus both on quality and quantity.Rich Flavors and Health Benefits – Olive oil from Croatia is high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and healthy fats . It’s not just delicious but also one of the healthiest oils in the world.
Where to Buy Olive Oil in Croatia Olive oil is a great Croatian souvenir and there are many places where you can buy it. Our first choice would always be from the local producers and small family-run farms. But Croatian olive oil can be bought anywhere. Still, always look for a renowned olive oil rather than the mass produced ones. In the section below we’ll discuss how to recognize high quality olive oil from Croatia.
Here’s where to buy olive oil in Croatia:
Local Farmers’ Markets – Markets in cities like Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, and Zadar usually have fresh olive oil directly from producers.Olive Oil Tasting Tours – Many family-owned olive groves offer olive oil tasting tours in Croatia , which are perfect if you want to learn more about the making of the first-grade olive oil.Specialty Stores and Wineries – Many wineries in Croatia also produce high-quality olive oil.Online Stores – Some Croatian olive oil brands ship internationally, so you can order premium olive oils online.Supermarkets and Delis – Larger supermarkets in Croatia like Konzum, Plodine, and Tommy sell local and imported olive oils, but the best selections are found in smaller specialty shops.
How to Taste and Recognize High-Quality Olive Oil Unfortunately, not everyone is honest nowadays. Some people try to use the fact that Croatian olive oil is sought after and they might cheat with the mass-produced oils advertised as locally produced. In order to properly taste and evaluate olive oil, follow these steps:
Pour a Small Amount in a Glass – Use a small cup or tasting glass.Warm the Oil – Hold the glass in your hands and swirl it gently to release aromas. Similarly to what you do with the wine.Smell the Oil – High-quality olive oil should have a fresh, fruity scent with hints of grass and herbs.Taste a Small Sip – Let the oil coat your tongue and look if there are any peppery, bitter, or nutty flavors . These are a sign of a good olive oil.Swallow and Observe the Aftertaste – A slight burning sensation in the throat is a good sign and indicates high levels of healthy polyphenols.
How to Use Croatian Olive Oil Once you buy the olive oil from Croatia, you can use it in many different ways as it’s versatile and enhances a variety of dishes :
Dipping Oil – Bets enjoyed with fresh bread, sea salt, and a glass of Croatian wine.Salads and Vegetables – Drizzle it over fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or tomato-based dishes.Grilled Meat and Seafood – Olive oil adds flavor to grilled fish, lamb, or octopus .Traditional Croatian Dishes – Croatian olive oil is widely used in local specialties like peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables) and soparnik (savory pie with Swiss chard) .Desserts – Some Croatian olive oils, particularly those milder from Dalmatia , pair well with chocolate and citrus-based desserts .
Tours featuring Croatian olive oil
Olive Oil Festivals and Events in Croatia If you’re visiting Croatia and love olive oil, here are some festivals and events that might interest you:
Istrian Olive Oil Fair (Vodnjan, Istria) – One of the most famous olive oil events in Croatia.Days of Olive Oil (Dalmatian Coast and Islands) – Celebrated in towns like Šolta, Hvar, and Brač .Olive Harvest Festivals (October – November) – Many farms allow visitors to participate in the olive harvest and experience the process firsthand.
Before you indulge in the olive oil from Croatia We hope this article provided you with the valuable information about the olive oil from Croatia and that you have learned some facts you haven’t known before. If you are staying in regions like Istria and Dalmatia, make sure you visit at least one olive oil farm and try how the real olive oil tastes. You’ll see that the taste and smell can’t be compared to the olive oil you have to chance to buy in the supermarkets. When you buy a bottle of Croatian olive oil, you’re buying a bottle of health with a thousand years of tradition poured into it.
Enjoy!
