Evaluation of perlina, unique Maltese pride?

Abstract

Olive trees are synonymous with the Mediterranean region as they grow naturally. The Mediterranean basin in general offers an optimal climatic condition; the theory of such presence of olive trees is also supported with the findings of numerous stone olive presses and olive crushers, in most of the Mediterranean regions. There are few types of Olive trees planted around Malta and Gozo, most of the crops are imported from Italy, Spain and Greece, however findings shows that the Maltese Islands offers some differentiated varieties, which even on the Maltese islands are now rare, like Bajda, Bidni and Malti. The Maltese leucocarpa, not internationally recognized as yet. It is known to have existed for at least two thousand years (see Figure 1). Our magnificent Island offers the prevalent climate as is typically a south Mediterranean region, offering mild winters and very hot dry summers, with highly variable rainfall. Sunshine, which is synonymous to the Maltese Islands, is a key factor in the successful production of olive fruit. For the cultivars these are the best elements for growth, there is not a particular soil that they grow in, as long as the soil is more or less three meters deep from the surface level. It is a known fact that olive trees grew in large quantities all over the Maltese Island and its beloved sister Island Gozo. Today recognised by the Authorities and designated as national monuments, and named “Antiquarian Importance” by the United Nations, Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. (UNESCO) (Verde, 2017, p. 25). In fact the olives and olive oil acquired from the trees, was back then exported, and this was of an economical benefit, this is also supported by findings, where it is said that the destruction of some 80,000 olive trees took place in between 870 -1090 A.D, with only few hundreds were preserved solely for the provision of the local consumption.