Babylonstoren Olive Oil: The Golden Elixir

Three golden olive oils that will leave your guests in awe.

When it comes to olive oil, settling for anything less than the best simply isn’t an option. At the breathtaking Babylonstoren farm near Franschhoek, they’ve taken the Italian love affair with olive oil to new heights. Nestled among their world-renowned organic vegetable and herb gardens, they’ve dedicated 60 hectares (53,000 trees) of land on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain to grow a variety of olives. With these olives, they craft exceptional extra-virgin olive oils, table olives, and pure soaps right here on their farm.

Made from freshly harvested olives and cold-pressed with care, each drop of Babylonstoren olive oil captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Close your eyes and taste the warm Mediterranean sun filtering through the shimmering leaves of countless olive trees.

Crafted to perfection by an Olive Sommelier

At Babylonstoren, we grow a variety of olive cultivars that are reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The names themselves are like a virtual tour of the region: Frantoio, Leccino, Mission, Kalamata, Nocellara, FS-17, Coratina, Don Carlo, Manzanilla, Arbequina, Maurino, Picual, and Koroneiki. With such a diverse selection, our olive-harvesting season spans from April to July. These months are filled with intensity as our olive sommelier, Klaas Stoffberg, and his team work tirelessly day and night. Their goal is to ensure that the olives are pressed within an hour of being picked from our orchards. This swift process, known as cold extraction, guarantees that we produce only the purest extra-virgin oils at their absolute freshest and finest.

Why settle for just one?

Let me tell you about Babylonstoren’s extra-virgin olive-oil blend. It’s a must-have for foodies like you and me. What makes it so special is that Klaas, the master blender, combines five varieties of Italian olives to create a truly delightful and versatile oil. When you take a taste, you’ll notice it has a nutty and herby flavor, with just the right amount of bitterness and a slight kick of pepper. This oil is the perfect companion for any dish, salad dressing, or sauce you can think of.

Now, here’s something to consider. As someone who appreciates good food, you know that having a variety of olive oils in your pantry is a game-changer. Why settle for just one flavor when you can explore a whole range of exciting tastes? That’s where Babylonstoren’s single-variety oils come into play.

If you’re looking for something new and exciting, let me introduce you to the Coratina. It’s the latest addition to our collection, and it’s truly exceptional. What sets this cultivar apart is its high concentration of polyphenols, which are good for your health. In fact, it has 300% more polyphenols than other oils, giving you even more benefits. And the flavor? It’s fruity with a hint of bitterness and loads of character. This oil is perfect for dishes that need a star ingredient, like spaghetti aglio e olio or a refreshing Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes and creamy buffalo mozzarella.

If you’re craving a fresh and vibrant olive oil with a touch of spice, you’ll fall in love with our Frantoio. This oil has a vibrant green color and an enticing aroma that will awaken your senses. It’s perfect for winter salads, bruschetta, or simply dipping a piece of crusty sourdough bread and savoring every drop of this golden elixir.

Experience the flavors of the harvest

When you visit Babylonstoren’s olive-oil plant, you’ll be amazed by what you discover about Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina, and other olive varieties. The tour takes you through the entire process, from the balsamic vinegar cellar to the table-olive production and the olive press. Just like tasting wine, experiencing an olive-oil tasting is an adventure for your senses. Each variety has its own unique character, which you can explore by tasting and creating your own blend to take home. The cost for this experience is R200, and you can contact Babylonstoren at 021 863 3852 or via email at enquiries@babylonstoren.

If you’re unable to visit in person, you can still shop for Babylonstoren’s olive oil online. They offer 500ml tins individually or as a trio, which you can purchase directly from their online shop. The best part is that they offer free delivery anywhere in the country. This way, you can explore the nuances of fine olive oil from the comfort of your own home. To place an order, you can contact them at 021 300 3919 or via email at deliveries@babylonstoren.com. They provide free delivery to Cape Town and surrounding areas, as well as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding areas. Shop now and elevate your culinary experience with the finest olive oil.