Liquid gold in the form of olive oil in the Region of Murcia

Here in the Region of Murcia olive oil is an essential part of our culture and our history, and now of our tourist activity as well!

Olive oil is becoming more and more popular and rightly so, representing a perfect way to get to know one of the most important elements of the famed Mediterranean in general and the gastronomy of Murcia in particular. Visits to oil presses offer fascinating and “real” down-to-earth experiences, allowing you to taste and appreciate one of the most fundamental of all the items which make up the cuisine of south-eastern Spain and no doubt adding a little extra knowledge to your own endeavours in the kitchen!

What is olive oil tourism?

“Oleotourism”, as some try to call it, focusses especially on the production and tasting of extra virgin olive oils, which are made by the oil collected merely from pressing the fruit rather than by the use of heat or chemical substances. As such, it brings together nature, culture and tradition, and best of all the product is renowned for its health benefits.

These include a reduction of cardiovascular risk, improvements in cognitive alertness, lowering of cholesterol levels and even contributing to the body’s defence against chronic and inflammatory disease.

Truly a food for the body and the soul!

Why the Region of Murcia?

Because, as one glance at the countryside will tell you, here in Murcia when it comes to olives we know what we’re talking about. There are almost 60,000 hectares of olive orchards in the Region, the majority of them in the north and north-west, and our alive oil is known for its high quality, its slightly fruity taste, its many nuances and, of course, the age-old traditions behind its production.

The “AOVE”s (extra virgin olive oils using the Spanish acronym) of Murcia are intense, full of personality and boast the seal of quality of their Mediterranean origin, but at the same time the slight differences among each of the products make a journey through the oils of the Region one of discovery, appreciating the character of each one.

Our gastronomic experiences

One of the best ways to enjoy the olive oils of Murcia is through the range of “gastro-experiences”, which consist of guided tours coupled with tastings and workshops. These are held in outdoor locations surrounded by olive groves, or inside the family-run presses themselves, imbuing the visit with the character and history of this very special product.

Almazara Deortegas in Yecla is one of the leading ecological producers of oils and has been awarded prizes such as the Flos Olei. Their AOVE Hojiblanca is recognized as one of the finest in the world of ecological production, and visits include a tour of the olive groves as well as the production process and guided tastings.

Miñano y Zapata is located in Blanca, in the heart of the Ricote valley, where the olive trees, many of which are hundreds of years old, make it possible to produce high-quality ecological oil. At the same time, the trees are themselves an important part of the natural heritage of the area, and to walk among them is to enrich the experience immeasurably.

What makes a good AOVE?

When you’re tasting an extra virgin olive oil there are certain key aspects to bear in mind to evaluate its quality:

Colour: this is not a definitive factor – the best oils may be either golden in colour or tending towards green – but the liquid should always be clear and without impurities.

Aroma: the scent of a good AOVE contains hints of greenery, fruit, tomato, newly cut grass… if it smells waxy this is not a good sign.

Taste: a good balance between bitterness and tang is a trusty indicator of freshness and quality, and a good oil can sometimes even taste a little hot!

Label: always look for the harvest date, the type of extraction (cold is better than hot), the strain of olive and the place of production.

Come and try it!

Olive oil tourism is a delicious way of making a connection with the environment in Murcia, of understanding something of our culture and of appreciating tastes which we sometimes take for granted. And of course, in the Region of Murcia we do it properly: with attention to detail, with love, with care, with real feeling.

So there you have it: if you’re looking for a simple but different experience, healthy and full of local character, don your straw hat and get out there!