Al Fianco - our Italian adventure

Our Italian Adventure - Al Fianco

In the beginning of 2022, we finally did what we were talking about since years: moving abroad! First stop: Italy and more specific the region of Molise, a region known for its expression 'Molise non esiste' (Molise does not exist). Molise is a green region known for its local products such as cheese, wine and olive oil. Not the most exciting spot in Italy, if you would compare it to Napels, Rome, Puglia but that was exactly what we were looking for (and to be honest, needed).

The land that we bought a couple of years ago, to build our house on, has 250 of the most beautiful olive trees. They are around 60 years old and in the prime of their lives. So the idea of Al Fianco, our own olive oil, didn't take too long. Working on the land, learning from the locals, ... exactly what the doctor ordered to de-stress. But little did we know about the work at hand.

To make sure we have the best extra vergine oil possible, we learned what the do in which month, the whole year long. It starts with finding the right specialist to cut the trees, finding a tractor to cultivate the land around the trees, protecting them (in a natural way without chemical products) against bugs, etc. But most importantly: deciding in what week of October we should harvest. A week can make a difference in not only the taste but also the amount of oil you get.

To be honest, there were already moments where we felt like idiots and discovered muscles that we haven't been using since years because of the work we did in Belgium. But the doctor was right, nothing can beat nature when it comes to de-stressing the mind.