Centennial Olive Trees: A Legacy of Flavor and History in the Heart of the Northern Olive Oil Industry

The Centennial Olive Trees. Do they really make good olive oil?

Olive trees are one of the species of flora that rarely die.

They survive for thousands of years, with some even catalogued as being close to 4 thousand years old.

In other words, they saw the beginning of the Christian era. They were here in Roman times and saw them disappearing. They witnessed the agricultural revolution and the early days when humans transitioned from gatherers to farmers and the first cities emerged.

Impressive, isn't it?!

But do these wonders of nature, which Man has idolized and cared for for centuries, really produce better olive oil?

And should those in Trás-os-Montes, which have been uprooted to plant new olive trees, largely due to profitability and lack of labor, be maintained for their quality?

The Centenary Olive Trees: Do They Really Yield Good Olive Oil?

Olive trees are one of the flora species that rarely die. They survive for thousands of years, with some even catalogued as being nearly 4,000 years old. That means they saw the beginning of the Christian era. They were here in Roman times and witnessed their decline. They were present during the agricultural revolution and the early days when humans transitioned from hunter-gatherers to farmers, and the first cities emerged. Impressive, isn't it?

But do these wonders of nature, which humankind has idolised and cared for over centuries, truly produce better olive oil? And those in Trás-os-Montes, which have been uprooted to plant new olive trees, largely due to profitability and labour shortages, should they be maintained for their quality?

Centennial Olive Trees: A Legacy of Flavor and History in the Heart of the Northern Olive Oil Industry

Here at our corner for reflection, "Azeitonas de Sabedoria" (Olives of Wisdom), we delve today into a theme that evokes tradition, resilience, and, of course, the liquid gold we so cherish: olive oil. Inspired by the majesty of centenary olive trees and the questions raised in our opening chapter, we immerse ourselves in the essence of Azeite a Norte (Olive Oil from the North), exploring its intrinsic connection with history, the potential of Olivoturismo (Olive Oil Tourism), and the importance of preserving an invaluable natural and cultural heritage, especially in the lands of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro.

The opening words transport us to a distant time, where olive trees, silent witnesses to the unfolding of human history, cast their deep roots into the earth. Let's imagine for a moment: these majestic trees, some with millennia of existence, have witnessed the rise and fall of civilisations, the transformations of the landscape, and the evolution of agricultural practices. It's impossible not to feel profound reverence before these botanical entities that link our present to a remote past.

The question that naturally arises is whether this longevity translates into superior quality olive oil. Do centenary olive trees, laden with history and resilience, gift us with a more flavourful and aromatic nectar? The truth is that the age of the olive tree, in itself, is not the determining factor for the quality of the olive oil. However, these old trees are often synonymous with traditional varieties, perfectly adapted to their specific terroirs. Over centuries, they have developed a symbiotic relationship with the soil, the climate, and local cultivation practices, which can undeniably influence the unique characteristics of the fruit and, consequently, the olive oil.

Centuries-old olive trees: a striking presence in the landscape

In Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro, regions where the culture of azeite no norte (olive oil in the north) has deep roots, centenary olive trees are a striking presence in the landscape. Their gnarled trunks and leafy canopies tell stories of generations of olive growers, of harsh winters and scorching summers. These trees are an integral part of the identity of these regions, shaping the landscape and the local culture.

However, the initial excerpt raises a worrying question: the uprooting of these old olive trees to make way for new plantations, motivated by profitability and labour shortages. This is a complex crossroads that compels us to consider the economic, social, and environmental aspects of olive oil production. It is undeniable that new plantations can offer higher productivity and facilitate mechanised harvesting, responding to the demands of an increasingly competitive market. However, the loss of these secular olive trees represents a profound blow to our heritage.

We lose not only trees but also a unique biodiversity, ancestral olive varieties that may possess valuable genetic characteristics and an irreplaceable historical and cultural connection. The replacement of ancient olive groves with homogeneous new plantations can lead to the erosion of traditional knowledge associated with the cultivation of these trees and the production of olive oil with distinct characteristics.

Olive tourism and the appreciation of olive heritage

It is in this context that Olivoturismo (Olive Oil Tourism) emerges as a promising and sustainable alternative to valorise the olive-growing heritage of Azeite a Norte, particularly in regions such as Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro. Olivoturismo goes beyond the simple production of olive oil, offering immersive experiences in the world of olive cultivation. Through visits to centenary olive groves, tourists can marvel at the grandeur of these trees, learn about their history and their role in the local ecosystem.

The quintas (estates) and producers of azeite no norte can open their doors, inviting visitors to participate in harvests, to learn about artisanal production processes, to taste different varieties of olive oil, and to discover the secrets of local gastronomy that uses this essential ingredient. Olivoturismo can include walks through the olive groves, workshops on olive oil, visits to traditional olive presses, and museums dedicated to olive culture.

This multifaceted approach not only provides an additional source of income for producers, helping to make the maintenance of old olive groves economically viable, but also raises consumer awareness about the importance of quality, origin, and the history behind each bottle of olive oil. By experiencing the beauty of the centenary olive groves and the passion of the producers, visitors become ambassadors for Azeite a Norte, valuing its authenticity and uniqueness.

In Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro, Olivoturismo has enormous potential to complement the already rich tourist offering of these regions, known for their stunning landscapes, Port wine, and traditional gastronomy. The combination of these elements can create unique and memorable experiences for visitors, attracting a more conscious tourism interested in local culture and products.

It is crucial that ways are found to balance the profitability of olive oil production with the preservation of our olive-growing heritage. Financial incentives, technical support, and the promotion of Olivoturismo can be important tools to ensure that the centenary olive trees of Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro continue to be part of our landscape and to produce excellent olive oil.

Preserving Olive Oil in the North

The question raised in our first chapter does not have a simple answer. Centenary olive trees may not guarantee, in themselves, "better" olive oil in absolute terms. However, they represent a link to the past, a source of biodiversity, and a testament to the resilience of nature. Preserving them is preserving our history, our culture, and the unique identity of Azeite a Norte.

Olivoturismo emerges as a promising path to valorise this heritage, to educate consumers, and to create new economic opportunities in producing regions such as Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro. By embracing the potential of Olivoturismo, we can ensure that centenary olive trees continue to bear their fruit, not only in terms of quality olive oil but also in terms of enriching experiences and a more sustainable future for Azeite a Norte.

Here at "Azeitonas de Sabedoria", we believe that the true value of olive oil goes beyond its flavour and nutritional properties. It also resides in the history it carries, the landscape it shapes, and the people who produce it. Centenary olive trees are a powerful symbol of this connection, a constant reminder of the importance of honouring the past while building the future of Azeite a Norte. Let us continue this conversation, sharing knowledge and olive oils, always with the wisdom of the olive trees as our guide.