LIQUID GOLD FROM OUR OWN OLIVE GROVE AT DOMAINE CADIGNAC
At domaine Cadignac, surrounded by the beautiful nature of Tresques, are our decades-old olive trees. These stately trees not only adorn our domain, but are also the source of our delicious, extra virgin olive oil – liquid gold.
A PIECE OF HISTORY
The olive tree has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Already in ancient times, olives were cultivated and the oil was used as food, medicine and fuel. The Greeks and Romans revered the olive tree and associated it with wisdom, peace and abundance. The olive tree is also often mentioned in the Bible.
Olive trees (Olea europaea) are iconic trees best known for their fruit, the olives, and the oil extracted from them. They originated in the Mediterranean but are now grown all over the world, especially in hot, dry climates. The olive tree has a rich history dating back thousands of years, and has been valued for both its culinary and medicinal uses since ancient times.
CHARACTERISTICS
Olive trees are slow-growing, hardy trees that often develop a twisted trunk and a broad, spreading crown. The leaves are green on top and silvery underneath, giving the tree a distinctive appearance and the flowers of the olive tree are small, white or cream, and appear in clusters in spring. The fruits, the olives, change from green to black or purple when ripe. An olive tree can live for tens to hundreds of years, and some trees are more than a thousand years old.
A SPECIAL RESIDENT
THE OLIVE TREE AT THE PONT DU GARD
A LIVING WITNESS TO HISTORY AND ONE OF THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED TREES IN THE WORLD
Near the impressive Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, stands an olive tree that is much more than just a tree. It was born in Spain in 908 and stayed there until 1985. It was then brought to France and planted at the Pont du Gard in 1988. This move makes it one of the oldest olive trees in France.
A PLACE WITH MEANING
The choice to plant this ancient olive tree near the Pont du Gard was no accident. Together, the tree and the aqueduct form a unique combination of nature and culture. The olive tree, with its ancient roots, symbolises the continuity of life, while the Pont du Gard recalls the ingenious constructions of the Romans.
CULTIVATION AND CARE
Olive trees prefer well-drained, calcareous soils and can cope well with drought, making them particularly suited to Mediterranean climates. They need plenty of sunlight and thrive best at temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. In colder climates, olive trees can sometimes be grown in greenhouses or sheltered areas.
Growing olives requires patience. It usually takes several years for a young olive tree to bear its first fruit, and harvesting is often only once a year. The olives are then harvested, usually manually, and can be used either for making olive oil or for consumption whole.
PRUNING OLIVE TREES: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Pruning an olive tree is an important task for every olive tree owner. It ensures that the tree stays healthy, bears more fruit and maintains a nice shape.
when do you prune an olive tree?
Best time: Spring, just before the new shoots start to grow (March/April), is the ideal time to prune.
Why spring: The tree is still dormant then, so it is less likely to be damaged. In addition, you can better see which branches need to be removed.
why do you prune?
Rejuvenation: By removing old wood, you encourage the growth of new shoots and rejuvenate the tree.
Shaping: You can prune the olive tree into a particular shape, such as a sphere or a sapling.
More fruit: By pruning, you ensure better light penetration, so the tree produces more flowers and fruits and more olive oil – liquid gold.
Health: Removing diseased, dead or crossing branches prevents diseases and pests.
how do you prune an olive tree?
Remove dead branches: Start by removing all dead, diseased or damaged branches.
Open the crown: Remove branches that grow inwards or cross each other. This ensures better air circulation and light penetration.
Cut back overgrown branches: Prune back branches that stick out too far to a healthy eye.
Limit height: If the tree gets too tall, you can shorten the top.
Note: Do not prune too much at once, as the olive tree recovers slowly.
LIQUID GOLD FROM OLIVE TO OIL
The process of getting from olive to oil is a craft. Here at Domaine Cadignac, we harvest the olives with the utmost care. They are then processed within a few hours to preserve the best flavour and quality. The olives are ground into a paste after which the oil is pressed out. Our extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed, without the addition of chemicals. This way, we preserve all the natural flavours and health benefits.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Olive oil is known for its many health benefits. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E. Regular consumption of olive oil can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and protect cells from damage.
OUR OLIVE OIL – LIQUID GOLD
The olive oil we produce at Domaine Cadignac is a product we are proud of. Its unique flavour and aroma come from the specific soil conditions and microclimate of our region. Our guests can enjoy the full flavour of our extra virgin olive oil in various dishes. Olive oil is one of the most important products extracted from olives. The oil has many health benefits, such as promoting heart health and providing antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil, which is extracted from the first pressing of the olives, is most appreciated for its rich flavour and nutritional value. Olive oil is an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and is used for cooking, baking, as well as in dressings and sauces.
SYMBOLISM
Olive trees have had symbolic significance throughout history. In ancient Greek and Roman times, olive trees were associated with peace, wisdom and fertility. In the Bible, the olive tree is often mentioned as a symbol of peace, as in the story of the dove with the olive branch after the flood.
Olive trees are not only an important agricultural tool, but also a culture carrier with profound symbolic meaning that has survived generations. In many Mediterranean countries, the olive tree is an integral part of local identity and culture.
INVITATION TO THE OLIVE OIL FAIR IN LONDON
We are delighted to inform you that we have received an invitation to participate in an olive oil fair in London. This is a great opportunity to present our olive oil to a wider audience and meet other olive oil producers.
