Terreno

In the Vulture area, olive cultivation is without doubt an historical tradition, but also a practice that has greatly influenced the economy and gastronomy. The olive tree has been cultivated here since the time of Ancient Greece and the oil derived from the pressing of the olives from Basilicata has always been of excellent quality. Although not marketed outside the region because it is mainly produced for own consumption, oil Lucan presents unique organoleptic characteristics, because the land has the mineralogical composition and the most appropriate plants are selected among the species that may not have high production, but provide the best quality of oil. It is therefore important to emphasize that, as with any other fruit-bearing species, including the olive varietal selection, pruning, fertilization and plant health checks are important elements for the achievement of good productions, both in quantitative and qualitative terms. The adaptation of cultivars to environments of the Vulture was the result of the action of bioclimatic factors and selection of the work of man. In this way are constituted ecotypes whose preservation is linked not only with naturalistic motifs, but also to agronomic assessments, especially in particularly suited areas.

Olive Harvest

The oil quality is strongly influenced by the degree of ripeness of the olives, and the health status of the same from the time of collection. So, to get high quality oil, the olives must be harvested directly from the tree to forced separation in the absence of pests and to a fair degree of ripeness.

The collection phase is an important moment for the quality of the oil that will be produced. During this phase all necessary precautions are taken to avoid breakage or crushing of the fruit of the same or contamination with soil particles.

The harvest is done by hand or with the help of combs, dropping olives on the olive nets placed beneath the canopy. In recent years is the use of equipment in use facilitators to perform more quickly and efficiently harvest operations such as to ensure a better quality oil product.
The olives are harvested so immediately transported to the mill to be processed as soon as possible.

Groves

The olive tree is grown extensively over the valleys on the slopes of Monte Vulture. The predominant varieties are:

• OGLIAROLA DEL VULTURE
• FRANTOIO
• LECCINO o LECCIO
• CORATINA
• CIMA DI MELFI
• PALMAROLA
• PROVENZALE
• CANNELLINO
• ROTONDELLA