We got to know Olimel - Azeite e Mel, a family-run company that was born out of a dream by founder João Ferreira. Born in the Alentejo village of Cunheira, João grew up surrounded by the rich, genuine flavours of foods that at the time were only destined for his family's exclusive consumption.
With a degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and after a few years in Lisbon, he decided to return to his homeland to reproduce and make known to the world the products he still kept in his imagination. At the age of 60, João Ferreira took three technical courses at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, joined the Portalegre Beekeepers' Association, called his family and set to work.
We caught up with her daughter, Maria João Ramos, to find out more about the family business and even experience the art of honey extraction. Maria João said that the centenary olive trees on the property were restored, as well as the traditional art and method of honey production. This work resulted in Tapada da Fonte Olive Oil and D'Abelha Honey.
The oils are low in acidity and their quality is guaranteed by the cold extraction process. This noble product is a fruity, golden olive oil with a soft aroma and flavours. The Mediterranean climate and the pure, fertile soil, together with the traditional characteristics of the olives and traditional, organic production, guarantee a quality, natural 100% olive oil.
D'Abelha honey is produced in our own pure and unpolluted apiaries and estates. The high quality of the queen bees imported from Argentina is the result of ten years of research that has led to a more docile, productive and resistant species. The honey's characteristics benefit from the gentle breeze of the Mediterranean climate and a flora made up of rosemary and wild flowers. The light floral flavours are due to the pure and natural feeding of the bees and its crystallisation at low temperatures is a guarantee of quality.
The result of three generations coming together around the same goal is products that are reminiscent of traditional Portuguese flavours and the recognised medicinal properties of both olive oil and honey.
You can buy these products in our Franciscan Pantry and guarantee healthy, high-quality products on your table.
