Lebanon once again continues to establish itself as one of the most prominent countries producing extra virgin olive-oil. This year alone, the country’s most established olive oil brand Bustan El Zeitoun nabbed three international awards including the gold award at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.
Behind this special brand is a unique story that showcases the love and dedication locals have towards the preservation of their land’s heritage. Back in 2011, there was a piece of land under the threat of urbanization, Walid Mushantaf decided to save that plot of land by growing about 25 hectares of olive trees.
Fast forward to today, on an area that spans about 500,000 square meters in Lebanon’s Abra are the Bustan El Zeitoun trees. Both Italian and local olive varieties are grown in the trees, offering an eclectic mix of distinctive tastes and flavor.
Beyond its impressive success story, having this particular Lebanese brand of olive oil win multiple prestigious awards places the country on the global map as one of the major producers of high quality olive oil.