Barske masline

Barske masline are olive trees of the Olea europea species that have been cultivated in the Montenegrin region of Bar for centuries. One of these ancient olive trees known locally as Stara maslina (Old Olive Tree) continues to bear fruit even though it has been estimated to be more than 2000 years old, which makes it one of the oldest trees in the world.

This long tradition of olive cultivation in the country has made olives and olive oil an integral part of the country’s life, culture, and tradition. Most of these olive trees belong to an indigenous Montenegrin species called barska žutica that yields high-quality green olives characterized by a perfectly balanced, fruity, and piquant flavor, with a fresh, grassy finish.

Harvesting typically begins in October, when the fruits are traditionally hand-picked, although these days they are more commonly harvested using mechanical tools such as hand shakers or nets. The olives are then consumed as table olives paired with wine, cheeses, and prosciuttos, made into olive spreads, or pressed into high-quality olive oil and used to enhance a wide range of salads, seafood, or baked goods.