For the more romantic minded the olive represents the cultural soul of the Pugliese; solid, austere, immortal, generous and possessing an ancient civility.

Above all, an ability to adapt and thrive in poor circumstances.

Experts say that the olive oil from Puglia is some of the most palatable in the world, characterised by its digestibility and high vitamin content.

For the best of the best purchase the oil made from the hills of 'Bitonto', 'Cerignola', 'Andria' or 'Gargano'.

Puglia is Italy's top producer of olive oil with around 40% of total output (write to us for the source and year of reference). Next is Calabria with 27%.

The rest are simply also-rans in terms of volume and there are a few surprises.

Tuscany only supplies the market with 3%, less than Abruzzo and Lazio . Campania and Sicily are in 3rd and 4th positions with 7% and 6% respectively, while Emilia Romagna, Liguria and Veneto dont even get above 1%. Umbria accounts for 2%.

For the record, Puglia also accounts for 38% of the total land in Italy dedicated to cultivating olives.