The Olive Oil Association of Montenegro

Olive tree growing has existed as a tradition in Montenegro for centuries and the region boasts some of the finest and most ancient species of olive. Since 2006 the Olive Oil Associations of Bar and Ulcinj have provided valuable assistance in connecting over 1700 olive growers with the 12 mills that operate within the region. The associations are committed to supporting individual producers and in aligning Montenegrin olive oil with European production and business standards. They provide high quality services to their members through training, conferences, panels, events and, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture of Montenegro, aid producers’ participation in international business fairs.

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Tradition

The first olive groves were planted on the Montenegrin coastal slopes by the Romans more than 2000 years ago and by the 6th century olive oil production was an established part of the Montenegrin culture. Throughout the centuries the diverse groups of this region of Montenegro from Muslims to Orthodox Christians and Catholics have been united in their celebration of olive oil and its many uses. It was the Muslim community who first introduced and then spread the practice of applying olive oil to the body to create silky, supple skin. Recipes prizing olive oil as an essential ingredient in the Montenegrin cuisine have been passed down from generation to generation. Legend has it that, in the past, every groom was obligated to plant an olive tree on their wedding day.

One olive tree in particular occupies a special place in the local imagination. This is the Old Olive Tree in Mirovica, thought to be the oldest tree in Europe. It has been a protected natural landmark since 1963 and is an astonishing natural phenomenon, with a volume exceeding ten metres. Lore surrounding the ancient tree abounds: one myth has it that feuding families were once brought together under the old tree to find peace.

Scientific Research reveals Montenegrin olive trees predate Christ

Conscious of the rich history of olive oil production on the Montenegrin coast, UNIDO embarked on a special project to provide samples from 25 specimens from Bar and Ulcinj respectively to researchers at the Wood Anatomy and Tree Ring Research Laboratory of the Forestry Faculty of Istanbul University. The results revealed the beloved Old Olive Tree in Mirovica to be approximately 2240 years old. Another tree, in Mrkojevici near Bar, was shown to be more than 2000 years old.

The ‘Yellow Yield’

Montenegro is home to one of the world’s finest olive oils, made from the indigenous Zutica species or ‘yellow yield’. So-called because of the oil’s beautiful golden colour, ‘yellow yield’ olive oil has an exquisite balance of fruitiness and piquancy. It is a balanced, harmonious oil, with notes of fresh grass. The majority of Montenegrin orchards are covered by the Zutica.

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