This weekend long-term VFMA accredited stallholder, Barrow Olives is thrilled to be doing their second Essendon Farmers’ Market.

It’s always fun to see what happens behind the scenes so we’ll be profiling some producers from time to time on here.

It’s the time for new season olive oil so we’re focusing on our wonderful olive producers.

Let’s take a closer look at Barrow Olives and their practices.

Who are they?

Graham and Monica started Barrow Olives in 1993 with the purchase of a grove of 840 Verdale olive trees that were planted in the 1950s. The grove is in Vinifera, near Swan Hill and was restored using trickle irrigation and organic fertilisers.

To ensure the highest quality oil, the olives are processed on site within 25 hours of harvest, in a temperature controlled environment.

Barrow Olives grow, harvest, process and produce Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, pressed flavoured oils and table olives.

Oils

Their flavoured oils are produced using the “fused” or “agrumato” method where, to obtain maximum natural flavour, local whole fruit (lemon, lime, mandarin for example) is crushed with their olives prior to the oil extraction so the natural oils of the fruit, garlic or chilli is extracted along with the olive oil.

This method produces a more aromatic, naturally blended oil.  Come September this year they will have their lemon and chilli pressed oils available at accredited farmers’ markets, to go along with their current-season bottled garlic, lime and mandarin pressed oils.

Innovative Eco Packaging

With an interest in their environmental impact, Barrow Olives have a new concept in packaging - refillable stainless steel vacuum flasks. As well as being sustainable this container protects the oil from heat and light and can be brought back and swapped for a new full one.

Go and have a chat and a tasting with Barrow Olives at the Essendon Farmers’ Market this Saturday August 12. They are more than happy to answer any questions.

To find out more about Barrow Olives click here

To find a VFMA accredited market near you click here or see the full list of accredited farmers’ markets on this weekend here.