An overview of introduced olive varieties in Istria, focusing on the Ascolana tenera cultivar, its biological properties, and cultivation requirements.
Ascolana tenera
Origin
Marche (Italy). Cultivated in Istria since 1940.
Agro biological properties One of the most appreciated table olives, the variety is grown in all olive regions throughout the world. Large, with dense, rounded foliage. Branches are robust and straight; fruit bearing branches are slightly sagged. Elliptical, spiral, medium-sized, light green leaves. Drupes or olives are large (8-10g), oval, often slightly asymmetrical. Green with yellow flecks at the beginning of maturation, gradually turning purple then black.
Fruit bearing Mediocre; bears fruit early (September) if regularly irrigated.
Fertilization Anemophile fertilization (wind carried), needs fertilizers such as Pendolino, Leccino, Rosciola.
Resistance to adversities Susceptible to the olive fly (bactrocea oleae). Resistant to lower temperatures.
Quality of the oil Recommended as table variety. If used for preserved olives, drupes should be harvested when they turn yellow. Produces a low yield of high quality oil, with fresh, harmoniously pleasant bitter and spicy flavours.
Grubić is a renowned Istrian olive grower based in Bale, known for its award-winning extra virgin olive oil and a historic oil mill renovated in 2006. The estate manages 8 hectares of olive groves with 1,700 trees, producing high-quality oils recognized in the Flos Olei guide.
Anđelini is a winery in Central Istria specializing in local and international grape varieties, located at 440-474m altitude with a 14-hectare vineyard. The estate offers wine tasting for up to 45 guests and produces honey alongside its wines.
Clai Terre Bianche is a renowned Istrian olive grower located in Krasica, offering high-quality organic olive oil produced in their own oil mill. The estate features 1,500 olive trees, a tasting room, and additional amenities including a restaurant and accommodation.
Agro Millo is a renowned olive grower located in the Baredine area of Buje, North Istria, offering high-quality olive oil production and tasting experiences.
Babos is a recommended winery in Vodnjan, South Istria, producing wines from indigenous Croatian grape varieties on 6.5 hectares of red soil vineyard, with a tasting room capacity of 40 and complementary olive oil and distillate products.
The Istrian Pasta Festival in Žminj is a celebration of traditional Istrian pasta, featuring workshops, food shows, and local culinary heritage under the chestnut trees of Zad Kaštela.