Brač olive oil is extra virgin olive oil made from the fruit of the indigenous Croatian olive variety - Oblica. Olives have been present on the island of Brač since ancient times, becoming a part of the tradition and way of life, and holding a special place in the hearts of the local people.
The connection between Brač and the Oblica variety is so strong that in the World Catalogue of Olive Varieties, Oblica is listed under the name Bračka (from Brač).
2000 Years of Olive Cultivation on Brač
Numerous historical sources indicate that olive oil has been produced on Brač for over 2000 years. The Greek writer Strabo mentioned olive cultivation on Brač in the 1st century BC. By the 3rd century, the famous Roman Emperor Diocletian, who lived in what is now Split, was familiar with Brač olive oil.
The Venetian Republic Boosts Production
Throughout the centuries, various rulers came and went on the island, exploiting its rich resources while the poor local population relied on sardines and olive oil for their livelihood.
It was only with the arrival of the Venetian Republic in the 16th century that olive cultivation on Brač saw significant development. The Venetians encouraged the local administration to plant olives on unused land and to cultivate "wild" olives to increase olive oil production.
Interesting stories from the 16th century reveal that the Venetian Senate decreed severe penalties for anyone who damaged or cut down an olive tree, including exile from Brač for up to 10 years. Additionally, a groom had to plant a specific number of olive trees to be eligible for marriage.
Venice - The Largest Importer of Brač Oil
This led to olive cultivation becoming the most important agricultural activity on the island. By the late 18th century, Brač had over 500,000 olive trees, producing more oil than the entire Dalmatia region.
Brač became the largest exporter of olive oil to Venice, with such high demand that in 1754, Brač had to obtain a special permit to sell olive oil outside Venice, ensuring the city's supply was not compromised.
Because Brač olive oil was so popular and often smuggled, the local administration began keeping records of olive oil income.
Olive Oil Production Today
Today, Brač is the largest olive-growing region in Croatia, with about a million olive trees occupying two-thirds of its agricultural land. While Brač cannot compete with larger countries like Greece, Spain, or Italy in quantity, it excels in quality.
In 2022, Brač olive oil received the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. The island's oldest town Škrip even has an Olive Oil Museum. The island is crisscrossed with gravel paths known as olive trails, and each year, the World Olive Picking Championship is held in Postira.
Visiting Brač during the olive harvest and oil production season is a special experience. Entire families gather on the island in October and November, working and socializing for several weeks to produce the precious Brač gold. Each year, more and more tourists discover these well-hidden charms of Brač.
Authentic Brač Olive Oil
Authentic Brač olive oil must be produced on Brač from the Oblica variety. Oblica olive oil has a green olive aroma with less bitterness and spiciness than other oils.
Its mild flavour complements dishes without overpowering them, making it perfect for high-quality ingredients like white fish or vegetables in healthy home salads.
Analyses of extra virgin Brač olive oil show that it is a high-quality oil with low free fatty acid content and high levels of phenolic compounds, which are natural antioxidants.
Where to Buy Olive Oil
During the season, many shops and stalls in the centres of each town sell local olive oil. Market vendors often offer their olive oil alongside fresh fruits and vegetables.
And if you look closely, you'll notice that almost every other house has a small sign saying "Olive Oil for Sale," which you can often taste before buying.
Our recommendation is Sinovčić Olive Oil from Supetar, with its olive groves in the small village of Mirca.
