The Essence of Galilee

Through the ages, olive oil has become synonymous with Palestinian cuisine, particularly in the Galilee, where the hillside village of Rameh is nestled. In this region, an image of an olive tree or olive grove is as iconic as a Mediterranean sunset or a chapel perched on a mountaintop. From Tabooleh and Hummus to Manakeesh and Msakhan, olive oil is a cornerstone of countless beloved dishes.

Why Location Matters

Our groves sit in Rameh Valley, a place that has nurtured olive trees for millennia. This distinct Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and just the right amount of rainfall, is perfect for Souri olives. Here's why Rameh's terroir is so special:

• Abundant Sunlight: Around eight hours of sun daily ensures the olives ripen fully, imparting a fruity, soft flavor.
• Seasonal Rains: Approximately 78 days of rain a year allow the olives to swell right before harvest, usually in late November.
• Rich Soil & Elevation: The valley's fertile ground and gentle slopes produce bold, pungent olives known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.

Baal Cultivation & Harvesting

We follow a natural approach to olive growing, traditionally known as Baal cultivation:

• No Artificial Irrigation or Fertilizers: Our ancient trees, some over 2,000 years old are neither watered nor treated with chemicals.
• Handpicking Only: Each olive is carefully picked by hand, then blown and washed to remove impurities. This gentle method prevents bruising and ensures only the finest olives make it to press.
• Immediate Milling: Once harvested, olives are cold-pressed right away, capturing their fresh, full-bodied essence.

The Souri Variety

All of our olives belong to the Souri variety, originally from the city of Sour (Tyre) - about 20 miles northwest of Rameh - renowned for producing premium olive oil for over 3,000 years. According to legend, an olive tree sacred to the goddess Ashtart once rose from the sea, symbolizing fertility and enduring life. Today, Souri olives maintain that storied heritage:

• Distinct Flavor: Souri olives yield a robust, fruity oil with a pleasantly pungent finish.
• Ancient Roots: This variety is deeply embedded in Levantine and Mediterranean history, prized for its complexity and quality.

Taste & Profile

Our extra virgin olive oil offers a delicate yet persistent aroma and a medium fruity character. Reviewers often note hints of wild grasses and dandelion leaves, with a smoothness reminiscent of samneh (clarified butter). When freshly pressed, it shimmers a bright gold-green, reflecting the fertile land of Rameh.

A Legacy Through the Centuries

Rameh has long been recognized as a prime olive oil region. In an 1881 survey, it was lauded for its stone-built homes, large olive groves, and excellent cultivation methods. By 1910, a U.S. Department of Agriculture bulletin declared that Rameh “holds the record for the productivity and quality of its olives.”

Archaeological evidence reveals that olive oil production around the Sea of Galilee dates back to at least 5,000 BCE placing our groves among the oldest in the world. Though large-scale production has shifted to other regions over time, Rameh retains its historic reputation for exceptional quality and authentic character.

Experience Khalaf Olive Oil

We produce our premium Souri olive oil with utmost care, blending time-honored traditions with modern technology to ensure every bottle meets the highest standards. From the harvest to the cold press, every step respects the olive’s natural integrity, giving you a taste of Palestine’s ancient olive-growing heritage.

Ready to Taste?

Explore our Online Store to bring Khalaf Olive Oil straight to your kitchen or Contact Us for more details on our harvesting process, guided tours, and tasting events. We look forward to sharing the flavors of Rameh with you