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JAÉN AND THE GASTRONOMY OF OLIVE OIL

There is no better place to start that Jaén if you want to learn about Spanish olive oil. Within a radius of just 50 kilometres of the city, you will find companies and co-operatives where you can find out about how this “liquid gold” is produced. The ideal time to visit one of these plants is between November and February, during the olive harvest, when you can also enjoy the traditional gatherings and gastronomic festivals. And, if you get the chance, don’t miss the Olive Festival in Martos on 8 December, when they give out the typical “joyo” (bread smeared with oil and topped with cod and olives).

You can also visit the Museum of Olive Culture, housed in a large hacienda near Baeza. Another enjoyable activity would be to do the “Vía Verde del Aceite” (Olive Oil Greenway) on foot or by bike. This 50-kilometre route commences at Jaén and passes through “olive” towns such as Torredonjimeno, Torredelcampo and Martos.

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