The olive tree in the Var region

Who knows that the Var was, at the beginning of the 19th century, the leading olive-growing department in France? At that time, there were some 400 mills, and average production was around 18 million litres! Frost, poor sales, competition from oilseeds – or from fraudulent merchants – led to the decline of the olive tree, the disappearance of the mills and of most of the olive growers. Fortunately, a few of the latter persisted, against all odds. Fortunately, the olive tree and olive oil have been enjoying a new – and well-deserved – craze for some time. Yves Fattori, the author of this book, creator of the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Middle Provence, wanted to make known the historical richness and the permanence of this culture in the department, and to take stock of the experience acquired by generations of olive growers. Based on the study of ancient methods as much as on the observation of modern techniques, he provides precise answers on the cultivation of the olive tree, the different methods of pruning, the methods of harvesting the olives, and the techniques used to finally obtain the magnificent golden liquid. In conclusion, his route of the mills of the Var will allow enthusiasts to make instructive visits – and some tasty tastings.