The Olive Tree of the Maltese Islands

The olive tree and its production are integral to the Maltese Islands’ natural, economic, and cultural landscape. Renowned for its resilience, longevity, and economic importance, the olive tree has been a staple of Maltese agriculture for millennia, making it one of the most popular trees grown in the Maltese islands. Indigenous olive trees in Malta, typically of the Olea europaea species, are well-adapted to the island’s calcareous soils and dry climate. Ancient olive trees, some believed to be over a thousand years old, still stand in rural areas, testament to their hardiness and long lifespan.

Maltese olive trees exhibit unique characteristics that distinguish them from other Mediterranean varieties. These trees have developed specific adaptations to the local environment, making them particularly drought-resistant and able to thrive in poor, rocky soils. While these characteristics are evident to local farmers, scientific studies are needed to quantify their significance.

Several olive varieties are grown in Malta, each with distinct qualities in terms of fruit size, oil yield, and flavor profile. The most notable cultivars that are locally associated to indigenous trees include Bidni, Malti (il-Hoxna), and l-Abjad (Perla).

The Bidni olive, unique to Malta, is highly prized for its small, oily fruit with a robust flavor that stands out from other varieties. The oil produced is frequently described as distinctively aromatic with a peppery finish, considered among the finest in the Mediterranean. This cultivar is well-suited to the Maltese climate and soil, making it a cornerstone of local olive production.

The Malti, also known as il-Hoxna, is another important Maltese cultivar known for its large fruit and high-quality oil. The oil from Malti olives is smooth and mild, with a slightly fruity flavour, commonly used for both oil production and table olives.

The Bajda or Perla cultivar, while less common, is notable for its distinctive white appearance, which can turn slightly purplish when overripe. Bajda olives are generally used for preservation and canning, since mono-varietal oil is rare due to it’s scarcity.

Efforts to preserve and promote indigenous olive trees are crucial for sustaining Malta’s agricultural heritage. The cooperative has embarked on a project to find and study indigenous olive trees, aiming to register suitable varieties for both table and oil production. The studies focus on selected varieties considered indigenous, characterized by specific traits identified through visual observation. These plants will undergo genetic testing with the aim of enhancing local plant genetic resources. The compiled information will lead to the registration and valorisation of these varieties, allowing local producers to use the cultivar name and distinguish it from other varieties.

The cooperative strives to further study the phenotype and compare it to the genetic profile of these species, providing local farmers with suitable plant genetic resources and trees adapted to today’s climatic constraints. This project aims to position Malta’s agriculture and scientific community advantageously, both locally and internationally.

The Maltese olive tree is more than just an agricultural asset; it is a symbol of resilience and tradition. By supporting local olive cultivation and production, we can help preserve this iconic tree and continue to enjoy its many benefits for generations to come.