A Millennia-Old Olive Oil Tradition

Olive oil is deeply rooted in Tunisia’s history.
Thousands of years ago, the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and later the Romans cultivated olive trees across the region, transforming Tunisia into one of the most important olive oil centers of the Mediterranean world.

Historical sources confirm that Tunisian olive oil was already exported in the 4th century BC and valued for its quality. It was not only a staple food, but also a strategic trade commodity.

This long-standing tradition — combined with a Mediterranean climate, mineral-rich soils, and resilient olive varieties — continues to define quality to this day.

Today, Tunisia ranks among the world’s five largest olive oil producers and is the global leader in organic olive oil exports.

Tunisian Olive Varieties: Diversity Shaped by Terroir and Climate

Tunisia is home to numerous olive varieties, yet two stand out in both production and character: Chemlali and Chetoui.

Together, they represent the full spectrum of Tunisian olive oil — from mild and harmonious to bold and intensely aromatic.

Chemlali thrives primarily in the dry central and southern regions of the country, while Chetoui grows in the cooler, rain-rich hills of northern Tunisia.
These geographical contrasts are directly reflected in their flavor profiles, making Tunisian olive oil remarkably versatile — equally suited for everyday cuisine and refined gastronomy.

Chemlali: Mild, Harmonious, and Versatile

Chemlali is Tunisia’s most widely cultivated olive variety, accounting for approximately 70% of national olive oil production. It is valued for its resilience and its ability to produce high-quality fruit even under dry conditions.

Chemlali olive oil is mild to medium in intensity, with low bitterness and moderate pungency.
On the palate, it reveals delicate notes of green apple, almond, and fresh grass.

This balance makes it ideal for daily use — from salads and fish dishes to light marinades and vegetable cuisine.

Chetoui: Bold, Peppery, and Distinctive

The Chetoui olive originates predominantly from northern Tunisia, where cooler temperatures and higher rainfall contribute to its intense aromatic profile.

Chetoui olive oil is powerful, complex, and distinctly peppery, with pronounced bitterness and a long finish.
It is particularly rich in polyphenols and oleic acid, offering both health benefits and exceptional stability.

This variety pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, legumes, and rustic bread.

The BYZANTA Black Edition: Pure Chemlali from Family Groves

The BYZANTA Black Edition is an extra virgin olive oil made from 100% Chemlali olives, harvested from traditional family-owned groves in Tunisia that have been cultivated for generations.

This origin represents artisanal knowledge, care, and a deep connection between land and olive tree.

The Chemlali variety gives the oil its smooth, harmonious texture, its clear golden color, and subtle aromas of ripe almond, mild herbs, and fresh olive.
Its naturally restrained bitterness and gentle pungency create a calm, balanced sensory profile.

Cold-extracted and both sensorially and chemically tested in accordance with EU Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, the BYZANTA Black Edition features an exceptionally low free fatty acidity of just 0.18% — a clear indicator of freshness, careful processing, and high quality standards.

The result is a single-varietal extra virgin olive oil — mild enough for daily enjoyment, yet precise enough to refine dishes with subtle elegance.
An authentic expression of Tunisian origin — clear, harmonious, uncompromisingly refined.

How to Taste Olive Oil Properly

Tasting olive oil is similar to wine tasting.

Pour a small amount into a glass and gently warm it in your hand to release its aromas. Swirl lightly and inhale consciously — notice notes of grass, herbs, green fruit, or almond.

Take a small sip, allow the oil to coat your palate, and draw in a little air through your teeth. This aeration enhances aromatic perception.

Three key attributes define high-quality extra virgin olive oil:

• Fruitiness

• Bitterness

• Pungency

Their balance indicates freshness and authenticity.

Taste Tunisia — with BYZANTA

The mild elegance of the Chemlali olive reflects the soul of Tunisian olive oil.

Grown under Mediterranean sun and shaped by millennia of olive cultivation, it stands for balance, clarity, and origin.

With every bottle of BYZANTA Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you experience this tradition in its purest form — authentic, harmonious, and deeply rooted in the Mediterranean history of Tunisia.