“Tre Cancelle”
Contrada Tre Cancelle, 04020 Itri, Latina, Italy
Tel: (from landline) 00 39 3282148277
Tel: (from mobile) +39 3282148277
Itri / Gaeta Olives and Olive Oil
Yet the oil derived solely from this wonderful Itrana variety has yet to be duly accredited for its superior quality, being exceptionally low in acidity, in fact far below the 0.8% international standard for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is generally accepted that olive oil, this fine natural product, is full of health giving properties. Indeed our 86 year old neighbour seems to be living proof of this, as he is still fit enough to climb his ladder, with secateurs and pruning saw in hand, to lovingly tend his trees.
The countryside surrounding Itri has been noted for the quality of its olives since Roman times.
The Itrana variety is exclusive to this specific area, thriving as a consequence
of the unique environment. Everywhere you care to look in Itri there are olive trees,
its undulating hillsides are tinted with their distinctive silver-
Also, the nearby picturesque medieval village of Campodimele has been awarded the European title of "The Village of Eternal Youth" as it is noted for the longevity of its citizens. It seems that they are a particularly hardy breed, who seldom have the need to visit a doctor, rarely die before the age of 85, and it is not uncommon for its citizens to attain the age of 100. The contributing factors may be the healthy mountain air, the less stressful pace of life, and consuming olive oil as an integral part of a healthy “Mediterranean diet”, made of good, fresh wholesome local ingredients.
Therefore, it is something of an enigma to us, whether by accident or by design, why the superior Extra Virgin Olive Oil from this beautiful area of South Lazio has been kept until now, such a well guarded secret?
This is a situation we hope to change, as we have a burning desire to help bring this wonderful product to a wider market and share our passion for this, the very best of Italian fayre.
On the first Sunday of August, Itri celebrates this most important product -