Olive yields down, quality up

Western Victorian olive yields are down about 50%, but quality is up. A dry growing season, with little spring and summer rain, has meant the berries are about half the normal size. But Greg Matthews, from Toscana Olives at Laharum, just west of the Grampians, says when yields are down the flavour of the oil is better. “So I’d describe the oil as having very good balance; a good mix of fruity flavours and just a hint of bitterness, but not too much.”