THE Mediterranean diet, which includes copious amounts of olive oil, is well known for its health benefits but that is not why retired physician John Milla, and his wife Lorraine, took to planting olive trees at Abilene Grove 13 years ago.

An avid tree planter, Mr Milla was initially interested in the investment opportunities that came with the establishment of an olive grove.

“There was a lot of talk about the investment opportunities in olives but now we are simply interested in getting the best oil we can out of the fruit,” Mr Milla said.

The Orange district is well known for its cold climate wines and it’s not only the grape that benefits from a long slow ripening. Olives also respond favourably to a cool summer and like wine, blending varieties helps balance the palate.

“We blend volos, hardy’s mammoth, UC13A6, and verdale olive which produces a mild fruity oil that has a grassy and tropical fruit flavour with a buttery characteristic.

“It also, when fresh, has a lingering peppery finish,” Mr Milla said.

It is the freshness of olive oil where the comparisons with wine fall apart, olive oil is best kept cool, dark and used when young. To enhance the keeping qualities of their oil, Abilene Grove have packaged some of their oil in two litre casks.

“The casks extend the keeping qualities because they are dark, don’t allow any air in and help keep the temperature steady.”

The desire to keep their oil fresh is understandable considering the number of awards that Abilene Grove has won , including gold at the 10th National Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition, in the short time that they have been producing oil.

To taste this fabulous oil come to the farmers’ market at the Orange Showground this Saturday.