Olive oil

In the early Middle Ages the monks of the monastery in Taggia began to tame the steep hillsides of Liguria with terraces to grow olive trees. The local taggiasca olive, bearing the name of the monastery, is famous for its fine oil.

Today cultivation is widespread throughout Liguria, the high quality and rising prices even leading to an expansion in the sector.

The Museo dell' Olivo in Oneglia gives an extremely interesting insight into the origins and current state of the industry. The exhibition can be seen in about an hour.

For many years we were able to buy oil produced by our neighbour Renato but unfortunately his health no longer allows him to do the work.
Friends recommended Frantoio Mela in Pantasina, where as well as excellent oil other olive products and marmalade can be bought. The oil costs €10 a litre.
From Dolcedo, the frantoio is on the left of the road on the edge of the village.
Tel. 0183 282 132.