Olive Country
When walking in the Clermontais there are vineyards to see but also beautiful olive groves. Here you are in the kingdom of olives.
The lucques is the star with numerous cousins all as tasty and generous as each other! The most traditional varieties are the verdale cultivated in the Hérault, the picholine and the olivière that is used for making oil.
The lucques is also an eating variety which is harvested in September. It is easily recognizable by its oblong shape, its dense green colour and its soft fleshiness which is also crunchy. Ideal to have with an aperitif, its oil is fruity but rare, and extremely refined. Some gourmets will also perceive the aromas of almond or walnut …
Everyone knows now that the olive trees of our region suffered severely from frost in the winter of 1956. They’ve made a come-back since the fashion for food changed to “healthy”. Olive oil has become the remedy for all ills and has made our producers very happy. Numerous olive groves that were lost or became wild have been saved. They are pruned and pampered and our production today has found its former glory. Many mills have reopened so as to satisfy the growing demand for olive oil.
The famous Provencal tapenade had better watch out. Here it’s made with black olives but also green ones and sometimes with original variations. Not to mention the olivades (pressing of the oil) and the cream of olive (tapenade) which is really delicious !
All these products can be found at the local markets, in farm produce shops and in restaurants in the Clermontais which are the ambassadors of choice.
Every year during the Christmas period the first production of the year’s olive oil is celebrated and tasted.
Enjoy!
