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.

 

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.

 

5 trails you have to hike when you are in Tunisia

There’s no doubt that Tunisia has always been something of a tourist hotspot, but most of the visitors that are attracted to it do so because of the golden beaches and immense culture that it provides.

prepare to hike

Something that is sometimes overlooked is its stance in relation to hiking. Sure, the travel brochures might not always talk about this, but few would disagree that Tunisia has some of the best hiking routes around and you really can get more out of them than most people imagine.

Some people will take a chance and touch down in the Sahara, although most of the time groups will hit the countryside and taste the very best from the country in this regard. With so many sightseeing attractions there really is an immense amount of opportunities, as we take a look at the five best hikes followed by some typical advice that you should look to follow if you opt for this experience.

 

Hike #1 – Chenini

We’re going to start with something of a long hike and for anyone who likes to experience mountain life, this could be a favorite. Starting in Chenini, the idea is to hike over to Douiret. As the route can be somewhat difficult to navigate, a local guide is always advisable but never absolutely necessary.

The best part of this hike is that you will learn all about Berber culture. You will find out how the people in these villages live and in doing so, you will be walking almost 13 miles. While the official guides will say that you can complete this in over four hours – most people will walk at a slow pace to really get to grips and enjoy the local culture.

 

Hike #2 – Korbous (incorporating Ain Kanessira and Robinson’s Creek)

This next hike is somewhat deceiving. In terms of mileage, you’ll only be trekking 3.5 miles – which naturally makes a lot of people feel that it will be relatively easy to combat.

However, don’t let the length fool you. While short, the rocky terrain can make it very difficult to complete and some inexperienced hikers might have difficulty. It’s for this reason that the average time that people complete it tends to be around seven hours.

Nevertheless, don’t let the potential complexity sway you away. The route, starting from Korbous and incorporating Ain Kanessira and Robinson’s Creek, offers everything from unique rock formations to hot baths. Suffice to say, it has plenty of exquisite views as well.

 

Hike #3 – Djebel Boukornine

Next on the list is a hike that certainly has a degree of uniqueness about it – mainly because of the potential to bump into the military.

That’s right, if you venture too far up this mountain, you will stumble into a military base and it should go without saying that you shouldn’t be there.

However, military aside, there’s plenty to see on this four-mile hike. You’ll be climbing over 2,350m, meaning that it’s not for the faint-hearted, while you will pass through the now abandoned Boukornine National Park which offers some purely breathtaking views.

 

Hike #4 – Mides to Tamerza

This is another suggestion which involves you hiking from one village to another. Again, the beauty of this is that you really can dive into local culture, but in the case of these two villages they are surrounded by canyons and gorges which just make the whole experience even more fascinating.

You can expect to walk around 2.8 miles for this route – which makes it absolutely perfect for those of you who don’t want to spend the whole day out on your feet.

 

Hike #5 – Zaghouan (via Sidi Bougrabine)

We’ll conclude with another long hike – with this Zaghouan route being approximately 12.5 miles in length. There’s no doubt that this is the most difficult on our list either, for the simple reason that as well as being relatively long you’ll be climbing almost 4,000m.

If you can locate the southwest and west face of the mountain you really will be in luck, and be able to see some of the most breathtaking views around. The other side of the mountain is much more difficult to navigate (some would suggest almost impossible) but even if you do lose your way a little you still have the beautiful village of Zaghouan to return to.

 

What physical preparation should you engage in prior to hiking?

If you’ve been convinced from the above, it’s time to get your body prepared. There’s no doubt that if you’re taking a casual approach to this, you really don’t need much preparation. In other words, anything that’s just a couple of miles isn’t going to strain your body – although the heat might start to get to you.

In fact, it’s in the above cases where the only things you really need to think of is equipment. This generally comes in the form of clothing and water – ensuring that your body is offered sufficient protection from the sun in peak months, and also making sure that it receives enough hydration.

It’s only when you start to get on the more advanced routes that you need to take a more detailed look at preparation. In fact, on the most part, this will revolve you taking the necessary steps long before you travel.

We’re specifically referring to fitness and exactly what your body is going to be able to cope with as you embark on your hike. As we’ve already seen, some of the treks are long to say the least, and just turning up and expecting to complete them just isn’t going to be sufficient. Instead, try and look to train in the following areas:

 

Weight training

For an experience that most would associate with cardio training, there might be some raised eyebrows at this first suggestion. However, if you can train your upper and lower body, it will be invaluable on those occasions where your body is starting to tire from the backpack.

The aim here isn’t to “bulk up”, but rather improve your strength and conditioning. This means that you should be looking to focus on 12-15 reps – concentrating specifically on the arms, shoulders, legs, back and chest.

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Cardiovascular training

Now for the type of training that most people will expect. You’re potentially walking for an entire day, so it stands to reason that your cardiovascular system needs to be in optimum shape. You should be looking to train three to five days a week – with your sessions being up to sixty minutes in length.

You’re not looking for ultra-high intensity here, just something to get your heart pumping. In terms of specific examples, something like cycling or stair-climbing are perfect ones.

 

We should also conclude this preparation section with a mention of your nutrition. As anyone who has embarked on any form of training will testify, a lot of success is related to what goes into your mouth. Suffice to say, eradicating as many fatty foods as possible should be one of your aims, and replacing them with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables should follow. If you can drop a belt size, it will make your hike much easier to manage.

 

Summarizing the best hikes in Tunisia

As you can see, the variety of hikes that are available in Tunisia is pretty wide. While some visitors will simply enjoy a couple of hours around local villages, any hiking enthusiasts out there really can sample some of the best walks around courtesy of the immense culture and beauty that this country provides. Of course, if you are considering one of the longer routes, also think about your physical condition which really will be put under the microscope in some of these options.