Mallorcan Olives

Olives were introduced to Mallorca by the Romans and have been used ever since - the oil for cooking and soap, the branches for firewood, the wood for carving into bowls and spoons. Almost every meal begins with bread and olives, for which you may pay a small charge. Bread and olives are also at the heart of pa amb oli, the favourite Mallorcan snack - bread rubbed with tomato, drizzled with olive oil and topped with ham or cheese.

Mallorcan olives are typically smaller than their mainland counterparts. There is a wonderful olive festival held in Caimari each year - read about The Olive Fair in our Island reports section.

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