Tunisian Olive Oil: The Mediterranean’s Liquid Gold

It’s crazy to think that such a household staple has been around for more than three thousand years. Olive tree cultivation and oil extraction are practices that have survived through many generations.

It’s a prominent fixture in many cultures, including the Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Arabs. Needless to say, its history is a surprisingly storied one, with its cultivation in Tunisia dating back to the 8th century BC.

Tunisia is a giant when it comes to the production of olive oil, as it’s the biggest provider outside of the European Union. There are over 75 million olive trees in the country, over 350,000 tons of olive oil produced each year, and around a billion Euro value in exported olive oil. There is no doubt about Tunisia’s huge role in the industry, and it’s only going to grow, as people continue to explore the many uses of olive oil.

Olive oil has been used for a plethora of reasons throughout history. You can use it to lubricate squeaky joints and stuck objects, be an alternative to shaving cream, moisturize your skin, nourish your hair, act as a cosmetic face mask, and so much more. This is on top of cooking, of course, which takes the cake as its main usage.

Tunisian olive oil is a mainstay within Europe and the United States, so it’s safe to say you’ve had some at one point or another, as the companies that produce them are dedicated to producing high-quality products. What is so special about Tunisian olive oil specifically, though? How is it made, and how does it compare to other oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil? These are all good questions, so explore with us we talk about Tunisian olive oil: the liquid gold of the Mediterranean.

 

How Tunisian Olive Oil is Made

Old olive tree in Tunisia

The largest olive tree in the world. 2500 years old. Tunisia

The first step in making olive oil is by carefully cultivating an olive tree, a tradition passed down from father to son for centuries. Thankfully, Tunisia has hundreds of thousands of acres of these trees and is able to keep them all in a healthy shape, supplying many tons of olives to help make that beloved oil.

The olives are then sent to a mill, where they are stripped of any branches and leaves and are ground into a paste; this is done on the same day to prevent fermentation.

The olive paste is then kneaded (stirred) slowly over a period of time to reach the optimal temperature before being pressed and decanted, where the oil is separated. Olive oil is rare in that it doesn’t actually need to be refined to be enjoyed. However, Tunisian olive oil still goes through the refinery process to properly rid it of any impurities. Virgin olive oil is top quality, being collected and bottled first when a new batch is being formed. They tend to have better taste and aroma compared to regular olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest grade you can get, and you can definitely tell.

Finally, the oil is packaged, with virgin and extra-virgin olive oil usually in glass bottles, as the higher grade oils tend to need packaging that’s non-deformable, impermeable, and resistant to gasses. It’s then shipped and put in stores.

This is where you come in, of course. Pick up a bottle of your own and see the quality of Tunisian olive oil.

 

The Importance of Olive Oil in Tunisian History

Tunisian Olive Oil

One might scratch their head at the idea of cooking oil being such an important piece of a country’s history, but that’s exactly the impact olive oil has had on Tunisia. Its importance dates back to the 8th century BC, where the olive tree was introduced to North Africa by the Phoenicians.

It was the Romans who greatly expanded olive tree cultivation and revolutionized oil extraction over the centuries. This was very prosperous for the many regions that were a part of the process, and this includes Tunisia. It greatly aided the country to prosper and develop the way it did.

Many archaeological digs have shown that olive oil production had been an important part in the lives of many people, and that its use in cooking was widespread. It was also heavily used in other purposes, such as skin care, and even to help prevent baldness.

Nowadays, olive oil is bigger than it has ever been in Tunisia. It’s not only a fundamental part of the economy, but also the country’s history, culture, and, of course, their cuisine. You can’t escape a Tunisian household without seeing a bottle or two nearby.

 

What Sets Tunisian Olive Oil Apart From the Rest

With olive oil being a staple in most households, you’ll understand when it’s said that olive oil is in high demand. Logically, this means olive oil is produced from many sources (most centering around the Mediterranean). While the process of making olive oil may be the same in most countries, Tunisia has a few key differences of its own.

For one, olive oil producers in Tunisia tend to use organic olives that have been certified as being grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or any other artificial agents.

Many of Tunisia’s olive groves are also cultivated on family-owned farms, and the oil is produced from traditional yet tried and true methods.

Tunisian olive oil producers have also earned many awards (a record number, in fact) for the high quality of their olive oil, being the only Arab country to win a gold medal at the Bio Novello competition in Italy, beating out Spain and Italy itself.

 

Olive Oil vs Coconut Oil

coconut oil

If you’re used to using an alternative oil, like coconut oil, you may wonder if there’s really a difference, aside from taste and smell.

The answer is yes, there is most definitely a difference. Here is what makes Tunisian olive oil a more appealing option when compared to coconut oil:

  • Olive Oil is Healthier. Coconut oil contains about six times as much saturated fat as olive oil. One tablespoon of coconut oil provides 121 calories. The high caloric content is the reason why coconut oil is used for bulking for example. Not to mention, olive oil can lower your overall cholesterol.
  • Olive Oil is More Nutritious. This is just a fact. Compared to coconut oil, olive oil has over 100 times more Vitamin E, around 100 times more Vitamin K, far less saturated fat, and far more healthy fats.
  • Olive Oil is More Flexible in Flavor. Coconut oil has a distinctly more tropical taste and smell. In other words, it tastes like coconuts. It goes great in desserts and curries, but you’ll find you may prefer olive oil when it comes to more savory dishes, of which there are many.

Does this mean you should choose one or the other? Of course not; both have their place in the kitchen. Olive oil is perfect for day cooking, while coconut oil can add a little sweetness to whatever dish you’d like it on. These two oils can coexist.

 

Olive Oil vs Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil

So, what about avocado oil? How does olive oil compare to the lesser-known oil that is quickly gaining traction among cooks everywhere? Unlike coconut oil, avocados are full of healthy, monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats, making it a big contender against the undeniably healthy and delicious olive oil.

So, is there a difference? Of course there is, but just like coconut oil, olive oil and coconut oil can exist in harmony, for they both have their uses in the kitchen.

For those who are curious, however, here is why Tunisian olive oil is better than avocado oil:

  • Olive Oil is More Nutritious. While they are fairly similar when it comes to their fats and calories, olive oil is just more nutritious. It contains a high level of Vitamin E and Vitamin K, as well as containing potassium, calcium, and iron. While the latter three are in small amounts, avocado oil has none of these factors under its belt.
  • Olive Oil is More Versatile in Flavor. Avocado oil has a sweeter, grassier taste to it that is not only unfamiliar to most people, but just may not be seen as the best for everyday cooking. As for olive oil? It fits for most savory dishes.
  • Avocado Oil Tends to Be Pricier. Because avocado oil is not used as much as olive oil, less of it is made, and you’ll find that it makes avocado oil a bit more expensive. If you use oil for cooking every day, this can be a deciding factor for you.

 

Tunisia, Star Wars And Tataouine – How Are They Linked?

Do Tunisia, Star wars and Tataouine have something in common? Well, first, we all know the popularity of Star Wars movies is unmatched. You may not know that numerous scenes have been shot in Tunisia, aka Planet Tatooine. The movies Included in the list are, The Mandalorian (The Gunslinger episode), Return of the Jedi, A New Hope, The Phantom Menace, and Revenge of the Sith,  just to name a few. 

It takes its name from a town in the south of the country, Tatooine, It appears in many parts of the Star Wars blockbusters. In the Tunisian desert, Star Wars Film sets can be seen still standing nearly forty years after the original movie was released.

There are many beautiful places in the south of Tunisia, including several oases located just near Tozeur and Gabes and Tozeur’s Mides Valley. There are many attractions in the South, but the most famous is the Star Wars film set found in a number of southern governorates. It’s easy to see why it was chosen to host the star wars franchise. It is surprising how well-connected Tunisia is. As a result of the country’s small size, travel between cities is easy.

 

Where is Tataouine Located? 

Tataouine location Tunisia

The city of Tataouine is located in the south, in the center of the Tataouine Governorate, it is the capital. In the area around the city, there are cave dwellings of the native Berbers. These were built for the purpose of keeping cool and providing protection, which makes the area an attractive tourist destination. There are several fortified towns nearby  with an architecture that exhibits Berber influences, like the Chenini Douriet, which is sought after by tourists.

 

The History of Tataouine 

Bedouin wedding, Tataouine Oasis, Tunisia
Bedouin wedding, Tataouine Oasis, Tunisia

Between 1892 and 1951, the town of Tataouine was the headquarters of a French prison military unit called the African Light Infantry Battalion.  In the years following the establishment of Tataouine by the French, a mosque was erected in 1898, then came many residential buildings.

It was confirmed on June 27, 1931, that a green meteorite with unique achondrite features struck Tataouine. Fragments weighing approximately 12 kg were discovered. There is a large amount of enstatite in the meteorite, which is an uncommon type of diogenite.

In the Star Wars film series, Tataouine was inspired by Tatooine, which served as the perfect backdrop for the movie. At the beginning of March 2015, Tataouine was reported to be used by ISIL for military purposes, but the Tunisian government later denied these claims.

In the Star Wars movie franchise, Tatooine is a desert planet. It’s a beige, arid planet that orbits around two binary stars. The planet is populated by humans and other organisms. Star Wars featured the planet for the first time in the original 1977 film, and since then, it has appeared in six Star Wars movies.

It has become the homeworld of the central character Luke Skywalker the Jedi Knight, and his father, Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker). Obi-Wan Kenobi also lives on this planet under a different name Ben Kenobi. The purpose of this was to monitor Luke’s exile after the events of Order 66 and the dark side’s takeover of Anakin Skywalker. Tatooine’s binary sunset is one of the film series’ most iconic shots.

 

George Lucas in Tunisia 

George Lucas in Tunisia
George Lucas, Anthony Daniels (C3PO) on the Tunisia set of “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” (1977)

The first time George Lucas visited Tunisia was in 1976. George designed Star Wars planet Tatooine by using Tunisian locations. Upon his return in 1997, he began developing the franchise’s subsequently failed sequels, retaining many of the same personnel as well as some of the original locations. These sets are still in existence and are easily accessible during a short visit to Tunisia. Star Wars is loved by many, but it wasn’t the only movie to be shot here, The Life of Brian and Raiders of the Lost Ark were also filmed in Tunisia.

 

The Star Wars Series in Tataouine

Decorations from Star Wars film by George Lucas
Decorations from Star Wars film by George Lucas

When Lucas first began drafting Star Wars, the planet that Luke calls home was originally called Utapau, however after traveling to Tunisia, the planet was renamed Tatooine

Initiating the genre of space opera, the Star Wars film franchise offers a series of thrilling cosmic adventures, exploring the galaxy’s strangest places on an exploratory quest to find life. While Endor’s jungles are by far the most beloved, along with Kashyyyk swamps, oddly, among the franchise’s die-hard fans, the barren desert-scape of Tatooine is more beloved than any other.

Starting the story that has developed into a media empire, Tatooine was the planet on which Luke Skywalker was found at the start of the original 1977 film, and it has since appeared in five further installments. 

 

Is Tataouine a Good Place for The Star Wars Universe?

Tunisia, Tataouine, Ksar sultan Ouled Soltane
Tunisia, Tataouine, Ksar sultan Ouled Soltane

There seems to be no other option better than this place. Although its name is nearly identical to that of George Lucas’ desert planet in the original film, the ancient city’s architecture has more in common with that seen in the franchise.

In addition to beautiful exterior stairs and quirky windows, these famous structures are built from adobe brick, a clay-sand-straw mixture perfectly blending into the desert scene that stretches on forever.

In Tataouine’s surroundings, similar rugged structures can be seen embedded in the terrain, which is in place of mountain ranges, cliffs, or rocky ledges. For example, the beautiful Ksour, a Saharan village fortified with rock walls, is just one of them.

Appearing as if it were an iconic, space-faring location, it makes sense why George Lucas used Tataouine as part of his initial film, bringing hundreds of characters from other worlds to life. The studio’s huge vehicles and props were transported from its rural location to the small town in the 1970s. 

 

Conclusion

Tataouine is important in film history for the Star Wars universe, which cannot be denied.

Many Westerners have grown up with Star Wars, while Tunisians are unaware of the films and are even less aware of the filming sites on their own soil. Locals don’t understand why people from all over the world are drawn to these cardboard buildings in the middle of nowhere. The tourism industry in Tunisia knows how valuable the sights are, making it easy for visitors to see them.

Wild Boar & Thrush Hunting in Tunisia

Tunisia is a beautiful country to visit. There is plenty to do and see while you are there. If you love historical places, you may wish to visit the Baths of Antoninus, Santa Maria Maggiore, or Medina of Tunis. Maybe you will decide to see the Byrsia Ruins or go see the beautiful blue waters at Blue Lagoon. Or perhaps you will go on a hunting excursion.

If you are going hunting in Tunisia, it can only mean one thing-hunting wild boars. Many individuals in Tunisia share a passion for hunting. If you are on a hunting trip here, you will be sure to meet some friendly hunters who can offer you some great advice.

 

Wild Boar Hunting

When hunting wild boars, there are a few things that are essential to know. Stay with us to learn all about hunting in Tunisia.

Hunting in Tunisia provides a beautiful experience. Imagine feeling your heart beating fast, waiting for the prey to come. You are surrounded by gorgeous Mediterranean nature or in the Sahara outskirts.

One important element when hunting in Tunisia is that you can only use shotguns. No other method will be allowed. If you need slugs for your shotgun, there are plenty of shops nearby where you can purchase some from.

Wild boars will be herded towards the hunters when they are in Tunisia. The hunter will hide, and experienced herders will herd the wild boars to them. Once the boars are within shot range, a shot can be made. The boars should not see the hunters, or else they will run away. These wild animals have excellent eyesight.

Boar hunting in Tunisia can be completed in two different hunting periods. In the desert, the hunting season is from October 2 until the end of April. In the North and Center, hunting is permitted from October 2 until the end of January.

 

Wild Boar Hunting Companies in Tunisia

If wild boar hunting in Tunisia is something you would be interested in, you are in luck. There are various wild boar hunting companies that will assist you in your hunt. This is highly recommended to have the best experience. If you have never been hunting for wild boars before, you should know that it can be very dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. These excursions with the hunting company will offer everything you need from the guide to a hotel room. With many of these companies, food will also be included in the package. You will also have to pay fees to the government for killing said prey.

When you book with a wild boar hunting company, you will stay in a 3 or 5-star hotel based on where your hunting area is located. Each room will be a double bed.

You will need a valid passport when you book with the boar hunting company. It should not expire for at least 6 months from when you are booking. You will also need a valid hunting permit. Only one weapon per authorized user will be allowed. You will be responsible for bringing your own weapon to the site. Rifles and semi-automatic rifles are the only weapons allowed, with a 3-shot maximum.

Packages for a wild boar hunting company will include the following:

  • All slaughter taxes with no shooting restrictions
  • Administrative costs
  • Airport assistance for customs formalities on arrival and departure
  • Transportation to and from the airport
  • Tunisian insurance company
  • Tunisian hunting permit
  • Authorization to introduce weapons
  • A professional guide, beaters, and a dog
  • Full board for 6 nights in a double room
  • Travel to the hunting grounds in 4X4
  • All drinks (water, soft drinks) with your meals

Thrush Hunting

Thee same companies that offer wild boar hunts offer Thrush hunting, as this is also a popular activity in Tunisia. The Olive groves are a beautiful place to find them.  This type of hunting can only be done on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you are found to be hunting Thrush at any other time, you will be in violation of federal law.

Thrush hunting does not have the limits that boar hunting does, so a hunter could wind up with many Thrush. However, the hunter must keep in mind the restrictions there are around Thrush hunting, as if any violations are made, a fine will be imposed.

A wild boar hunting company offers many benefits when booking with them. One of the biggest advantages is discovering exotic and beautiful territories. Tabarka is in a great location, situated between the sea and mountains. Hammamet is a charming place for those that love nature while Tunis is full of things to do for those that love getting the most out of their vacations. If you have always wanted to see the Atlas Mountains, visit El Kef while seeing the historic Ottoman fortress.

Wrap Up

Many individuals travel to Tunisia to hunt both wild boar and thrush. If you are interested in participating in this hunting, it is imperative to find a company that will assist you. Should this be something you are interested in doing, do not delay! Contact the company today.