 |
|
The olive tree, a symbol of the Mediterranean,
was imported and planted in Provence by the Greeks 25 centuries
ago. Today its trunk and typical grey green leaves are integral
part of the landscape of Provence.
Large olive groves spread over the fertile plains of the
Rhône around Tarascon. The delicious high quality
olives ripen in the burning sun and are picked from September
until February, depending on the type.
The largest oil producing department of France, our region
produces several varieties of olives such as : the Grossane,
the Salonenque, the Picholine, the Verdale or the Lucques,
all with specific taste and quality. The olive tree contributes
to the riches and the secrets of Provençal gastronomy.
|
 |
|
|
Green or black, olives are eaten on all occasions and
are prepared locally in many different ways and used in
local recipes.
The olives picked from November onwards are taken to the
mills to be transformed into the precious oil.
|
Picking olives is careful work, it is
either done by hand or with a rake which allows branches
to be stripped, canvas and nets are installed to avoid contact
with the ground. The crop is then taken to the mill where
the olives are first crushed. The paste thus obtained is
kneaded then pressed and the oil is separated from the juice
by centrifugal force. Olive oil produced in this way has
a very low degree of acidity and undergoes no chemical treatment.
Virgin and extra virgin olive oil is produced by cold pressing.
The colour and taste vary according to where the trees
grow and the type of olives used and also the know-how
of the mill-owner.
The olive groves of the Vallée of Les Baux are
famous and produce an olive oil with a Quality Label guaranteeing
typicity and flavour.
Olive oil is also used in the production of soap from
Marseilles, only the green soap contains 72% of oil.
>>
Carnet SAVEURS de PROVENCE
|
 |
 
Situated in the fertile plain of the
Rhone, Tarascon is surrounded by numerous orchards and large
agricultural domains which stretch along the hills of the
Montagnette and give the plain subtle colours in early spring.
A wide range of fruits and vegetables (apples, pears,
nectarines, peaches, figs, cherries or apricots; pumpkins,
spinach, lettuces or artichokes) ripened in the hot sun
and and picked at maturity, is proposed by by our local
farmers and traditionally grown.All these products can
be found on the stalls of the local markets.
>>
List DELICACIES
|
 
|
 |
|
  Like
the olive tree, the vine is a “gift” from the
Phocean Greeks, who learnt vine growing from the Phoenicians.
The first vines were planted in the Marseilles area and vine
growing developed considerably when the Romans arrived.
Around Tarascon, on a strip of land between the Rhône
and the lime stone hills of the Alpilles, large wineries produce,
on a sunny area suitable for producing wine, a whole range
of red, rosés and white wines for the pleasure of gourmets.
Fruity, balanced, rich and generous, strong when aged in barrels,
they will appeal to connaisseurs.
>>
List VINES
|
|
