Table Olives, Tapenades and Preserves
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Growers and Producers of Premium Organic Table Olives, Tapenades and Preserves |
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About Figtree Retreat Olives Situated on a pristine hill 9 kilometres out of Mudgee in the Central Ranges of New South Wales, Figtree Retreat Olives is a wholly organically run olive and fruit farm. Registered with the Biological Farmer's Association in conversion, we are dedicated to providing premium table olives and products. Not only are the olives organically grown but they are organically processed as well. We at Figtree Olives see the key to our success fixed in the Old World practices employed for the curing of our Table Olives. Most, if not all, of the table olives on the supermarket shelves contain various additives to speed up curing and to improve the appearance of the product. For example, ferrous gluconate is used to fix the pigment while caustic soda in the form of lye solution is used to leach out the bitter glucoside called oleuropein. Similarly, various lactic and food acids are used to aid in the fermentation and preservation of olives. We use no caustic sodas to cure the olives, they are all hand picked and hand split in Greek fashion, then soaked in pure rainwater for 12 rinses before being sorted in a light brine. No artificial colour fixing or additives (food acids, preservatives) are used resulting in a clean fresh taste. Our olive trees are fairly young, plantings started in 1996 with only 250 trees in the ground at the moment. Varieties include Kalamata, Manzanilla, Sevillano, Frantoio, Correggiola, Jumbo Kalamata, Mission and UC13A6. This year should see another 500 of these varieties planted. We also source olives from the 40 year old trees at the organic vineyards at Botobolar and Mudgee Wines. Due to the seasonal nature of olives certain varieties are sometimes unavailable. Product Tasting Notes Tapenade A classic recipe dating back to the Renaissance in the countries around the Mediterranean uses a subtle blend of olives, garlic, parsley, capers, olive oil and vinegar. It's great on pizza, pasta, with meats, as a vegatable dip or with cheese or small toasts. Mix with butter for a superb sauce! $ 9.00 / 200g Jar Fig and Olive Tapenade A pure indulgence! Based on a Turkish/Arabian recipe it is rich beyond belief. A complex mixture of olives, dried figs, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, it is not unlike an Olive Chutney. Use it on duck or lamb and goat or any game meats. It is also beautiful with a cheese platter, especially cheddar. $ 9.00 / 250g Jar Table Olives Our table olives are unlike any you will have tasted before due to their totally natural state. Bottled in a Rocksalt/Rainwater Brine, they can either be rinsed and marinated or eaten straight out of the jar. Verdale: picked green with bite.$ 6.00 / 250g Jar Organic Jams Using organic sugar and fruit, we have a wide range to suit all tastes. Again, they are seasonal so be quick on your favourites. $ 6.00 / 250g Jar Marinated Olives A mixture of three varieties of our olives. We marinate with only fresh organic ingredients grown on the farm. An infusion of garlic, lemon, rosemary, parsley with olive oil and a dash of red wine vinegar and cracked pepper. Keep refrigerated. $ 7.00 / 250 Tub Rock Salt Olives ... or Tsassos. An ancient recipe: maybe the first for olives. We pack them in rock salt and leave them for 3 to 6 months. The result is like a sundried tomato and tastes like a cross between an anchovie and a date. Very intense and not for the faint hearted. We marinate them with garlic, chilli and coriander. $ 8.00 / 250g Tub Wholesale and Restaurant enquiries welcome. |
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