Rustic Puglia

18/04/2025

Ditch the pills

Extra virgin olive oil is delicious drizzled over salads or used for cooking and it’s also a powerhouse of health benefits. If you’re looking to boost your well-being, this golden liquid is your new best friend.

06/04/2025

If you stay at The Olive farm the nearest town is Ceglie Messapica which boasts a history stretching back to the Bronze Age, but its true identity was forged by the Messapian people around the 8th century BC. They built mighty cyclopean walls (still visible today) and fiercely defended their independent culture against Greek colonies.

Later, Romans arrived, followed by Normans who built the imposing Ducal Castle that still dominates the skyline. Ceglie is a fascinating little hilltop town that has been shaped by centuries of history, from its agricultural roots to its reputation as a modern-day gastronomic hub. Explore ancient walls, Baroque churches, and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

28/03/2025

Sunday at Bearwood Artisan Market

We’re thrilled to be part of Bearwood Artisan Market's debut, the newest addition to Birmingham Artisan Markets stable of events! Launching in March, this vibrant market will take place this Sunday 30th set in the beautiful surroundings of Lightwoods Park.

Bringing together a fantastic mix of talented artisans, independent makers, and food vendors, Bearwood Artisan Market is the perfect place to discover unique handmade goods, delicious artisan food, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, this market offers a warm, welcoming space to shop, eat, and connect with the creative community.

Join Rustic Puglia at Lightwoods Park and be part of this exciting new market.

26/03/2025

Thursday at Local to Ludlow produce market
Every second and fourth Thursday you can find me in Ludlow's beautiful Castle Square from 9-2pm. I'm going to be ordering ahead from Apley Castle Cakes - Sara's my back to back neighbour and her bakes are beyond sublime. It's so hard to choose because everything is mouthwateringly delicious: date and walnut tart, lemon shortbread, raspberry and pear tart, lemon drizzle, toffee apple cake, bakewell tart - just a few of my favourites!

Her stall has tables and chairs beside it so you can enjoy one of her cakes along with the teas and coffees she serves sitting in the sunshine (if you're lucky!) with views of the market and Ludlow Castle beyond.

24/03/2025

Extra virgin olive oil - fuelling your gut's microbiome

Our gut microbiome, a bustling community of trillions of bacteria, plays a vital role in our health, influencing everything from digestion to inflammation. Research highlights a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil as a powerful way to nourish this microbial ecosystem.

This diet's abundance of fibre, polyphenols, and limited animal protein fosters the growth of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids which are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut lining and reducing systemic inflammation.

Extra virgin olive oil is a treasure trove of polyphenols like hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, tyrosol, and oleocanthal. While some polyphenols are absorbed early in digestion, others reach the large intestine where gut bacteria transform them into beneficial compounds that contribute to overall health, potentially boosting gut and immune function.

While more studies are needed, existing research suggests a relationship between extra virgin olive oil and a thriving gut microbiome. Incorporating at least two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily into balanced meals can provide a wealth of polyphenols, supporting heart and brain health while nurturing the beneficial bacteria within. So, drizzle generously and cultivate a happy healthy gut!

Read more about this at the Olive Wellness Institute

23/03/2025

Puglia in The Guardian

Valentine's Day 2025 and The Guardian's Readers' Italian Travel Tips features two towns in Puglia.

Reader Gianmarco writes: If you’re planning a trip to southern Italy, make sure to visit Locorotondo. The name, meaning “round place,” reflects the town’s circular layout, with narrow streets radiating from the centre. Known for its picturesque white-washed trulli houses and stunning views over the Valle d’Itria, it’s perfect for photos or just soaking in the scenery. The historic centre is full of charm, with flower-adorned balconies and cosy cafes serving local delicacies and wines. A peaceful, authentic spot, Locorotondo offers a true taste of southern Italy.

Reader Joel enthuses: Nardò is often overshadowed by its neighbours in Salento, the region that makes up the heel of the Italian boot. It features Lecce’s baroque architecture and Gallipoli’s vibrancy, but without such large crowds. The Piazza António Salandra is a great place for an aperitivo and a hub of social activity. The town holds a monthly flea market on the first Sunday of each month, which offers various vintage items. Nardò is the perfect spot to live out your southern Italian fantasies of lazy days consisting of eating local delicacies, culture and watching the world pass by.

Both towns are in easy reach of our fabulous holiday properties.

21/03/2025

The unique benefits of combining olive oil with oats and why you should be eating our granola

Combining olive oil with oats offers a brilliant range of health benefits, primarily stemming from the complementary nutritional profiles of these two foods. Here's a breakdown:

Enhanced Heart Health:
Oats are rich in soluble fibre, which helps lower LDL cholesterol.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is packed with monounsaturated fats, also known to reduce 'bad' cholesterol and promote heart health.

Combining them creates a powerful duo for cardiovascular wellness.

Increased Nutrient Absorption:
Some nutrients, like certain vitamins, are fat-soluble, meaning they're better absorbed when consumed with fat.

Adding olive oil to oats can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins present in other additions to the oatmeal, or even certain vitamins that are in the oats themselves.

Improved Satiety:
Both oats and olive oil contribute to a feeling of fullness.

The fibre in oats and the healthy fats in olive oil slow down digestion, helping to regulate blood sugar and prevent cravings.

This can be very helpful for weight management.

Antioxidant Boost:
Extra virgin olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage.

Oats also contain antioxidants.

Therefore the combination increases your antioxidant intake.

Enhanced Flavour and Texture:
Olive oil adds a rich, smooth texture and a subtle, savoury flavour to oatmeal.

This can make a healthy breakfast more enjoyable.

In essence, combining olive oil with oats creates a nutritious and satisfying meal that supports heart health, provides sustained energy and boosts antioxidant intake.

19/03/2025

Saturday at Stroud Farmers Market

There's always a special atmosphere at Stroud Farmers' Market - it's the only one I trade at that's weekly, although my turn is on the fourth Saturday of the month. People travel there from all over the place, and there's a surge just after 11am as the London train pulls in bringing visitors from the capital.

We all get attached to our spots and I love being next to College Green - naturally clean, back to back with Karobi's Ghee, just down from Hortons Honey (which I make my granola with) and just up from Cymbal Knits.

I'll be there with my olivey things and new naked bottles, don't forget to bring your empties.

17/03/2025

Gravina is like a mini Matera without the crowds

Puglia Guides by the Puglia Guys reposted Velvet Escapes' travelogue all about Gravina in Puglia on Bluesky. I have to admit that I haven't been there myself and have only been to Matera once - in 2008, shortly after moving to Puglia. Something I need to remedy.

Have a read of the Velvet Escapes article here https://velvetescape.com/things-to-see-in-gravina-in-puglia/

Puglia Guides by the Puglia Guys are a recent discovery and seem to be prolific posters so worth a peruse through their website and social media pages if you're planning a trip to Puglia.

I also love along dusty roads whose website has a section on Puglia as well as worldwide travel inspo that make you want to dig out a rucksack and go wandering.

There's availability at both our holiday properties so not too late to plan a trip for 2025.

16/03/2025

The Unsung Hero of the Olive Tree: Unveiling the Health Benefits of Olive Leaf

The olive leaf has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and modern science is now validating its impressive health benefits. From boosting your immune system to supporting cardiovascular health, this unassuming leaf packs a powerful punch.

The key to olive leaf’s therapeutic properties lies in its rich concentration of bioactive compounds, most notably oleuropein. This potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound is responsible for many of the leaf’s remarkable effects.

Immune System Support
One of the most well-known benefits of olive leaf extract is its ability to bolster the immune system. Oleuropein exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a formidable defender against a range of pathogens. Studies have shown that olive leaf extract can inhibit the replication of viruses, including the influenza virus, and may even be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Cardiovascular Health
Olive leaf extract has demonstrated significant potential in supporting cardiovascular health. It can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. Additionally, it can reduce LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and prevent its oxidation, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Olive leaf extract may also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.

Antioxidant Powerhouse
Olive leaves are packed with antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and various chronic diseases. By neutralising free radicals, olive leaf extract can help prevent cellular damage and promote overall health.

Anti-inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Oleuropein and other compounds in olive leaf extract possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can translate to relief from joint pain, improved skin health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Cognitive Function
Emerging research suggests that olive leaf extract may also have benefits for cognitive function. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oleuropein may help protect brain cells from damage and improve cognitive performance. Studies are exploring the potential of olive leaf extract in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

How to Incorporate Olive Leaf
We sell olive leaf as a tea, a culinary herb and a powder. Olive leaf tea is made by steeping the dried olive leaves in hot water. Our ground olive leaf can be used in cooking just like any culinary herb, it’s less about adding flavour and more about having another opportunity to benefit from its health positive properties. The ground olive leaf can also be used as a tea. Our olive leaf powder is ideal for sprinkling over your dishes, adding to savoury smoothies and making matcha.

Important Considerations
While olive leaf is generally considered safe, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as headaches or stomach upset.

In conclusion, the olive leaf is a treasure trove of health benefits. From strengthening your immune system to supporting your heart and brain, this natural remedy deserves a place in your wellness routine. By harnessing the power of oleuropein and other beneficial compounds, you can unlock the remarkable potential of this unsung hero of the olive tree.

14/03/2025

Saturday at Great Malvern Farmers Market

Remember to bring your empty containers to Great Malvern Farmers Market to receive 50p for each return off your next purchase. I'll be there with our new dark glass bottles as an option for those who are concerned about olive oil in clear glass, as well as 'naked' bottles!

Other favourite traders include Karobi's Ghee, Indy’s Indian Kitchen,Devil's Dollar Bakery, Tan Rosie Foods Ltd and lots more.

Head to the Lyttleton Rooms at the entrance to the Priory where you'll find me upstairs. The market runs from 9am to 2pm.

13/03/2025

Dark bottles for olive oil and naked discounts . . .

As the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil hit the headlines last year I've had lots of people asking why we use clear glass bottles. It got me to thinking that it would be a good idea to offer it as an option and yesterday I got a delivery of 'dark leaf' glass bottles.

They're more expensive than clear glass so a 500ml bottle is £15.50.

This also got me to thinking . . . how can I make olive oil a bit more affordable. Regulars at my events know that if you bring back empty containers each one's worth a 50p discount on your next purchase, but this doesn't work for online orders.

So I've come up with a naked option! If you aren't bothered with having a label you get a 50p discount for each bottle of olive oil by typing NAKED into the coupon code box on the checkout page.

I'll also offer naked bottles at my events so that everyone can benefit.

12/03/2025

It’s Local to Ludlow Produce Market on Thursday which runs from 9am to 2pm in the stunning setting of Castle Square. I’ll be there with my extra virgin olive oil and other olivey things. It’s a proper farmers market where you can buy everything you need to prepare a meal that’s grown by local small producers:

Just about all cooking starts with olive oil so that’s me! Veg including onions and garlic – also vital meal ingredients – and salads from Hare Hill Farm and organic grower Tuston Market Garden. Lamb from Perry Wood Farm and beef and pork from Muckleton Meat. Apple juice from Appleteme and cider from Fletchers Cider. Sourdough bread is made in the early hours by Dick's Market Garden and Bakery. Free range eggs are provided by Lizzie’s Layers. Charcuterie is from Shropshire salumi and award winning pies from T's Pies. No guesses what Truly Tea and Hundred House Coffee sell!

This is just a handful of mentions, there’s much much more from talented and passionate local producers.