In the oil mills of Sabina with Enrico Salustri, master of Sabina oi
Arts and crafts of Sabina: Enrico tells us about the authentic heart of extra virgin olive oil
The art of oil: excellence and tradition in the oil mills of Sabina
There is a scent that tells the story of Sabina better than any words could: that of freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil. Behind every drop of green gold lies a world of passion, ancient crafts, and respect for the land. In the oil mills of Sabina, oil is not just a gastronomic product, but a symbol of identity, a ritual that intertwines nature and culture, modernity and tradition.
In this hilly land, dotted with centuries-old olive trees, the arts and crafts of Sabina have been handed down for generations, telling the story of a community that has managed to preserve its authenticity. The oil mills, both ancient and modern, represent the beating heart of this heritage, where time seems to slow down and every gesture preserves the flavor of the past. Sabina extra virgin olive oil comes from a unique ecosystem. The rolling hills, mild climate, and calcareous soil create the perfect conditions for producing an oil rich in aroma and history. The olive trees, some of which are centuries old, are cultivated with respect and care, according to sustainable practices that keep local biodiversity alive.
What makes Sabino oil special is the perfect combination of native varieties such as the Carboncella and Leccino. Each cultivar contributes to defining different nuances of flavor, which together create a harmonious balance: an oil with a fruity aroma and a slightly spicy taste. Those who taste it immediately rediscover the authentic soul of this land.
From the earth to the bottle: the expertise of Enrico Salustri, master of Sabina oil
Entering the oil mills means breathing in the authentic essence of Sabina, where tradition meets technology and is transformed into art. During the interview with Enrico, the heart and soul of the Salustri oil mill in Montopoli di Sabina, a deep passion for his craft emerges: a visceral connection with the land and the olive trees that surround the valley.
Enrico tells us how every stage of production is carefully monitored in an almost artisanal manner, from harvesting to the delicate milling process. The mill uses cold pressing at 25 degrees, a technique that allows the aromas and properties of the oil to remain intact, preserving the purity of the fruit and the taste of nature. In this balance between tradition and innovation, the modernity of the mills blends with the sensitivity of those who have always worked “as in the past,” but with an eye to the future.
The oil produced by these hands is not only a product of excellence, but also a declaration of love for Sabina. Every drop tells a story of dedication, experience, and respect for the raw material: values that Enrico lives every day in his oil mill, transforming an ancient gesture into a tale of identity and passion.
Arts and crafts of Sabina: the culture of authenticity
Talking about arts and crafts in Sabina means talking about the people who bring these hills to life. Farmers, millers, artisans, and producers: each contributes to keeping alive a rural economy based on quality and tradition. It is not uncommon in the Sabina countryside to come across small workshops where cheese, honey, wine, and ceramics are produced according to methods handed down for centuries.
The interconnection between these crafts is what makes Sabina a unique territory. Olive oil, for example, is not just a condiment but an ingredient that unites communities, accompanies festivals, enriches typical dishes, and marks the rhythm of the seasons. It is a shared art form, a manifestation of popular knowledge that continues to renew itself over time. Tasting Sabina extra virgin olive oil means immersing yourself in a complete sensory experience. Just a few drops on a slice of bread are enough to perceive the purity of the product, the result of a perfect balance between man and nature. It is a simple but profound gesture, like a toast to the land and to those who cultivate it with dedication.
Those who choose Sabina oil bring to the table not only a gastronomic excellence, but the result of an entire ecosystem made up of skills, aromas, and knowledge. In an era in which food is increasingly globalized, Sabina continues to defend its identity through its crafts, its oil mills, and its people. Every drop of oil tells a fragment of this unique heritage, inviting those who taste it to discover, with their hearts and palates, the authentic soul of the Sabina region.