THE OLIVE AND ITS LIQUID GOLD - Tradition and Perfection

Olive oil, Konavle's liquid gold, is more than a culinary delight; it's a testament to centuries of tradition and meticulous care.

The olive tree, a sacred symbol of peace, wisdom, strength, fertility, and enduring spirit.

Konavle, renowned for its verdant olive groves and exquisite olive oil, has nurtured a deep-rooted olive-growing tradition. This noble pursuit is interwoven with Konavle's identity and underpins its local economy.

In both Konavle and our Molunat estate, where 200 olive trees dating back to the 18th century stand proud, the Oblica variety reigns supreme, celebrated for its resilience and the superior quality of its oil.

The oldest olive tree on our property and the youngest member of the Metković family

Peratovo - our estate olive oil, pressed from olives harvested from our 200-year-old trees, this oil carries the legacy of generations in each bottle

Traditionally, milling olives and processing oil was a time-consuming and physically demanding process, but also a vital part of rural life. This process was passed down from generation to generation and represented a significant part of Konavle's cultural heritage.

For us, the journey of the olive from tree to table is more than just producing edible oil. It's a story of dedication, respect for tradition, and commitment to creating a top-quality product while respecting natural resources.

Traditional olive processing in mills involved grinding the fruit and pressing the paste to obtain olive oil. Olives were harvested by hand at the optimal ripeness, in our case in Molunat in early autumn (late September and throughout October), unlike settlements located in the hilly part of Konavle where harvesting was usually in late autumn or early winter.

The ground olive mass, or "pasta," was mixed in containers to separate the oil, after which it was placed in a press and squeezed under high pressure. The oil was poured into containers, and the remaining pomace was used for heating or making soap.

This valuable biomass has been processed, dried, and composted since ancient times. It is a natural herbicide whose application weakens and destroys the growth of grasses and weeds.

Olive pomace was used as an energy source for steam-powered machines, and recent research has shown that olive pomace can be an energy source for the future in EU countries. Thanks to an ideal climate, Konavle olive oil stands out with excellent characteristics of smell, taste and texture. It is rich in mono-unsaturated fats, vitamin E, and polyphenols, which have numerous health benefits.

Olive oil is a versatile product, used in everything from cooking to cosmetics.

In Konavle, olive growing is more than just farming; it's a way of life.

Our family, like many others in the region, is committed to preserving traditional methods and producing the highest quality olive oil.

Our extra virgin olive oil comes from olives cultivated and processed organically.

This means we avoid harmful chemicals, ensuring a product that is both delicious and environmentally friendly.

On our estate, you'll meet our friendly goats and donkey.

Goats on our estate

Our goats play a crucial role in our olive groves, naturally fertilizing the soil and preventing erosion.  They're a testament to our commitment to sustainable agriculture and preserving our natural heritage. Goat farming in olive groves is a sustainable and beneficial practice.

Meet Nina - living piece of Dalmatian history

Our goats are more than just animals; they're part of our family. Bring them a small treat, and they'll reward you with affection and some great photo opportunities.