Interview with Loris Bajkin
House of Olive: You won the Zurich Olive Oil Award 2024 for the olive oil Bajkin Istarska bjelica won bronze. Congratulations to you! How do you feel?
Loris: I am very proud and honoured that our olive oil is recognized at such a high level in Switzerland. This award is a confirmation of our work and our quality standards. It means a lot to us because it shows that we are on the right track and that our passion for olive oil production leads to excellent results. We, the producer Bajkinare a small family business in the Istrian village of Bajkini near Vižinada, dedicated to traditional methods of growing and producing olive oil.
House of Olive: The Istarska Bjelica is an autochthonous Istrian variety. Can you tell us a bit more about this olive and the olive oil?
Loris: Istarska Bjelica is an autochthonous olive variety characterized by its fine taste and aroma. It is generally an early ripening variety. The fruit is ovoid, symmetrical, medium-sized, ripens evenly and is light yellow in color with numerous spots when fully ripe. This olive oil is characterized by a mild, fruity aroma with notes of green grasses, almonds and artichokes. The harmony of the flavor is created by an initial slight bitterness that turns into a strong bitterness and pungency.
The quality of an olive oil depends on various factors, such as the olive variety, the geographical location, the harvesting and processing methods and the storage conditions. In our case, it is the carefully selected and hand-picked olives and the cold pressing process that give our olive oil its exceptional taste and quality.
House of Olive: You are in the process of organic certification. How long does it take and what is expected of you to get it?
Loris: The organic certification process can take several years, as certain practices and standards have to be implemented in production. We have to prove that we do not use synthetic pesticides and herbicides and that we comply with certain environmental and nature conservation standards. Although it is a demanding process, we are convinced that the organic certificate will confirm the quality of our products and strengthen the trust of our consumers.
House of Olive: The Istrian region is known for its first-class olive oil and it is becoming increasingly popular. What makes Istrian olive oil so special in taste?
Loris: The excellent quality of Istrian olive oil is due to several key factors. Firstly, Istria has ideal climatic conditions for olive growing, with mild winters and warm summers. The soil is rich in minerals and the sea breeze contributes to a unique microclimate. On the other hand, it is the traditional methods of olive cultivation and olive processing, handed down from generation to generation, that give the olive oil its excellent taste and aroma. Particular attention is paid to quality at all stages of production, from harvesting to processing. Last but not least, the passion and commitment of Istrian olive oil producers contribute immeasurably to its excellence.
House of Olive: What recommendations do you have for tasting olive oil? Which dishes harmonize particularly well with Bajkin Istarska bjelica olive oil?
Loris: I recommend paying attention to a few key elements when tasting olive oil: Fruitiness, bitterness and pungency. Try to identify different aromas such as green grasses, artichokes or almonds.
Bajkin Istarska bjelica is an excellent accompaniment to dishes such as grilled fish, red meat and cheese, giving them a delicate and refined flavor. It can also be used in desserts such as ice cream or chocolate cake.
