European extra virgin olive oils that arrive in Japan carry with them centuries of history and excellence.
A prime example is the Olio di Roma PGI, which comes directly from the ancient traditions of the Roman empire.
It takes its name from the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138 A.D.) and its story is particularly fascinating: the oil was produced in the very villa of the ruler, who owned a huge olive grove with centuries-old olive trees. Currently, the grove is protected by the Italian Ministry of Culture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.
The extra virgin olive oil "Olea Hadriani Villae" is certified Olio di Roma PGI (Protected Geographical Indication, a mark issued by the European Union only to agrifood excellences) and is produced and packaged by OP Latium, the largest Producers' Organization in the Italian region of Lazio. OP Latium’s workers and experts care for these millenary trees, monitoring every state of the growth of the olives, and ensuring that the whole olive oil production process follows the pace of nature.
In the spring of 2022, an important event raised awareness of this unique agri-food heritage, in partnership with a major Italian producers' associations, Coldiretti and Unaprol.
"The olive trees of Hadrian's Villa represent a true green monument" writes the Italian Ministry of Culture, "not only because of their majestic and solemn appearance, which characterizes a unique agricultural landscape that blends with the remains of the imperial residence, but also because they date back to the 18th century.” Here, an even older monumental specimen dating back to the 13th century, called Albero Bello, also named the patriarch of Villa Adriana, stands proud. From this olive tree, which is over eight centuries old, comes a monovarietal oil of exceptional value.
Hadrian's olive grove is a biodiversity treasure: seven species of trees, some of which are rare. A number that is afterall not surprising, considering Italy’s unparalleled world record that boasts some 700 cultivars, as the Italian Ministry of Culture further points out.
Each bottle of European olive oil contains more than a mere oil, it represents centuries of care and respect for olive trees, and appreciation for the genuine oil they produce.
Source:
22 July 2022
