FIRST BRITISH OLIVES TASTE SUCCESS

by Tom Morgan - 28/01/2010

"A COUPLE who started growing olives two years ago are enjoying the fruits of their labours."

The first British-produced varieties to go on sale commercially are not only in great demand, but ­giving their Mediterranean rivals some tough opposition.

Sarah Nunn, who runs the business with her husband Steve, said: “People who’ve tried them say they are firmer, fleshier and sweeter than olives from Italy or Greece.”

The first tubs have been snapped up by environmentally conscious food shops keen to cut down on their “olive miles”.

Sarah and Steve, both 45, grow seven varieties of olives in a giant greenhouse. This year the grove yielded about 440lb, worth £4,000.

The couple gave up their day jobs and bought the smallholding in Sidlesham, near Chichester, West Sussex, two years ago. Sarah said: “We wanted to produce a high-value crop to sell and thought we’d try olives, even though Stephen doesn’t like them.

“It was a risk but we live in a warm and sunny part of the country so we planted 180 trees. We are amazed that we have managed to become the first people in Britain to grow and sell olives.”

The couple, who had no experience of olive growing, visited Italy two years ago to seek advice. They bought some Picholine trees, which yield one of the most popular and tastiest olive varieties in Europe, and planted them with six other types at their site.

The fruit produced by the Nunns’ business, Southdown Trees, are only sold as simple, fresh olives and are not marinated in oil. Each 100g tub sells for £3.50.

Sarah said: “We harvest in October and November. If the trees were outdoors it would be too cold during the autumn and winter but we have been able to replicate something of a Mediterranean climate.”

More Details: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/154551/First-British-olives-taste-success