Heavenly Organic Olive oil from Fontanaro!
My skin and body are adjusting to the climate here in Umbria, Italy. I am so relieved to breathe fresh, fragrant air that is free from the overwhelming humidity of home. The scent of lavender, sage, rosemary and rose geranium are things that I can walk through the yard and touch with my hands... as an Aromatherapist, this is heaven... seeing huge beds of the herbs that are distilled into the precious oils that I use for both health and perfumery...
My skin has gotten very dry the last few days and I am without creme, as I packed lighter than light! Lucky me, I am on a farm that has beautiful olive trees growing for as far as my eye can see... and Lucia, our host, has left a bottle of their olive oil here for us at our cottage.
I know I am supposed to use this divine oil to cook and eat with, but this morning I was truly desperate for some moisture! I will eat some later with the organic tomatos and basil, and the mozarella di bufalo that I bought last night...but for now, my skin is happy, moisturized and supple from a nice dose of organic Fontanaro olive oil.
Staying in Paciano on the Fontanaro farm has been exactly the Italy that I needed this time around... it is a little piece of heaven. And I am most impressed at how "green" Italy is... it is a way of life here, that everyone respects. Nothing goes to waste, everything is recycled, and there are many solar panels as you drive across the countryside.
The farm here at Fontaro uses compost and organic materials for fertilizer-no pesticides. As rainwater collects on the roofs of their buildings, a series of pipes and gutters sends the water to large holding tanks. This recycled water is then used as needed in the dry season. A substantial portion of their energy needs are generated using solar cell technology .Fontanaro was one of the first in Umbria to make use of this technology. Solar panels heat water (in summer) for all domestic purposes. BTUs (in winter) are maximized with a wood burning furnace. The gas boiler serves as a backup.
Here is some information about the olive oil produced here at Il Fontanaro Organic Farm.
Olive tree cultivation and olive oil production dates back to the fourth century B.C. Today, extra-virgin olive oil is still the basis of our traditional, healthy Mediterranean cuisine.
The rolling Umbrian hills are the perfect territory for olive tree cultivation, mainly on the hills surrounding the Trasimeno lake where Fontanaro and Tartagli are located . Here the mild climate and the rich soil provide high organoleptic features.
Our prize-winning, extra-virgin olive oil is rated among the best in Italy by the official national guide of the Italian Association of Olive Oil Sommeliers and Lucia Pinelli is qualified Sommellier of Olive Oil.
Our product is tested by the laboratory of the Agricultural Faculty of the University of Perugia every year.
The results show very low acidity and very rich in polyphenols, important for the protection of the cardio-vascular system.
Our oil is a blend of Dolce Agogia, Frantoio, Leccino, Moraiolo and Pendolino olives.
Our oil has a very fruity taste with bitter and spicy notes and is very rich of unique flavours. In our own mill, the cold press process is applied within 24 hours of the olive picking to guarantee the very best quality oil. During the different phases of olive oil production, the temperature is kept at a constant level below 26°C, ensuring a harmonic composition of the different flavours that make our oil so special.
Here are some pictures of Olive farming here at Il Fontanaro!
Do you want some organic olive oil from the Il Fontanaro Organic Farm in Umbria?
You can purchase Olive oil, honey and balsamic vinegar, HERE.
You can also see more gorgeous photographs of the area- views that I only dreamed about seeing when this vacation was a fleeting thought...
(I have not tried the honey yet- that is next, as is the balsamic (I love vinegar)
Comments