Maltija

Maltija is a traditional olive variety native to Malta, valued for its role in the island's olive oil production and agricultural heritage. This variety is well-suited to Malta’s Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soils, making it an important part of the country’s olive-growing tradition.

The Maltija olive tree is known for its resilience, thriving in the island’s hot, dry summers and limited rainfall. The olives are medium-sized and are primarily used for producing extra virgin olive oil, which is appreciated for its smooth, fruity flavor with subtle notes of pepper and bitterness.

This oil is highly regarded in Maltese cuisine, often used to dress salads, complement fresh bread, or enhance local dishes like rabbit stew (fenek) or kapunata (a Maltese ratatouille). Maltija olives are part of Malta’s efforts to preserve its native varieties, alongside the Bidni olive, another indigenous cultivar.

Together, these varieties represent the island’s deep-rooted connection to olive cultivation, dating back to ancient times, possibly as far back as the Phoenician or Roman periods.