The rest of the world may be watching their TV’s to see what President the good US of A is struggling to select – but here in Tuscany we are watching the olive harvest. This has probably been the best in years, and there are lots of smiles as locals strip their trees clean of this tiny black and green fruit . . . many are already imagining the distinct olive flavour on a piece of toasted bread with a sprinkling of salt and pepper - - - and for those with a desire for the spicy there may even be a swipe of garlic on the bread.
I have several olive trees surrounding my home, there are four in the front that have always given me the sense of being protected and guarded by 4 stalwart knights. Their dark and gnarled trunks stretch out and create an umbrella of silver green. Each of these four trees gives the impression to have its own distinct and intricate personality, gruff yet loving, playful and joking, loving and caring . . . in the two years that I have lived right outside of Florence, they have invoked numerous images and daydreams.
I remember my first Christmas in Italy, as a governess for two little kids. The family was making its traditional haul to the Italian Alps to ski and was busy packing suitcases with clothes and holiday gifts. The family father came home with 6 dark green bottles – obviously recycled from a local who bottles water – and very enthusiastic about his “treasure” . . . little did I know that extra virgin olive oil from your own grove was a prized gift at any time of the year!
And so I have learned, Need a unique holiday gift idea? - - Extra virgin olive oil - nuovo, of course.
Donna
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