Harvest 2009
We arrived in Amelia on November 17th after taking a train from Rome to Terni and renting a car. It was an incredibly warm and picture perfect day as we drove through the autumn coloured countryside
When we arrived at the olive mill, frantoio, we were greeted by Francesco and his parents Anna and Vincenzo. They had already pressed the olives from their own trees and were now in the middle of pressing the olives from neighbouring farmers who seemed to be arriving non-stop. I could see our visit had not come at the most convenient time for them but you wouldn’t have known from the hospitality we were shown. Aside from showing us in detail the steps of pressing the olives, we were treated to a fabulous lunch in the frantoio, which happens to boast its own private kitchen. Anna prepared us lunch that was mostly cooked in a huge open fireplace beside our table. The meal consisted of pasta, sausages, grilled meat, bruschetta, salad and pastries. This was all washed down with their own wine and limoncello. Several dishes showcased the fresh olive oil, which was drizzled freely. Yum!
I can definitely say that this year’s oil is delicious. According to Francesco it was a hot summer and the oil is of excellent quality but the production volume was far less than last year. I found it to have loads of grassy fruity flavour. This is typical of good Umbrian extra virgin olive oil.
The Suatoni family speak very little English and my Italian is even more challenged; however, they had a charming new English speaking helper, Riccardo, who was able to bridge the gap for us. In the past Rachel has been along on these trips and I could get by with her excellent Italian translations.
We took loads of pictures and Ricardo was kind enough to take us to another farm where his family were still picking olives. We had a go at it and soon realized that it is back breaking work. It made us more respectful of the amount of labour that is involved in each harvest.
We had a wonderful day in Amelia and wished we had much longer to stay and soak in the smells and ambiance of this pristine Umbrian town. Our visit renewed our sense of connection to this wonderful oil which has become the number one staple in our kitchen. We are proud to be able to share it with our customers in Canada and the United States. Stay tuned because Rachel will be expanding the American side of Amelia Oil in the new year.
- Rebecca
December 25th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Hi Rachel!
My name is Shannon, technically I live in California but I believe I left my heart and soul in Amelia
. I’ve spent the last two summers in that incredible little town and enjoyed every last minute. Somehow I stumbled upon your website and have really been enjoying reading your blog over the last few days 
. I love one of your earliest blogs about dinner at Johnny’s and the strange phenomenon of all the single good looking men in that town! So frikkin true 
hahha!
Anyways, I really just wanted to let you know that what your doing to super inspiring. I’m just getting ready to receive my bachelor’s degree and working up the courage to move to Italy and see what a life there brings me. I noticed you are attending UNISG and I was wondering how you’re enjoying it? I’ve recently learned about the slow food movement and I am fascinated by the concept. I would love to apply for their master’s program. However, currently I have no official background in the subject matter, my BA degree is in Photography. I’m wondering how selective their admissions process is. Do you know anything about that?
When you get a chance I would love to hear from you! Thanks so much and Happy Holidays!!
All the best,
Shannon
shannonschureman@gmail.com