Kadshai Olive Oil

Deli or food maker · Jezreel Valley religious council

12 Mul HaHar Street, Moshav Merhavia, Merhavia

A family olive grove in Moshav Merhavia whose visitors' centre holds guided tastings of its single-variety olive oils, with a walk among the trees and a view over the Jezreel Valley

Meshek Kadshai is the Kadshai family's boutique olive grove in Moshav Merhavia, the first moshav in the Jezreel Valley, set between Mount Gilboa and the Hill of Moreh; by its account the family began farming here at the start of the 20th century, and Shahar and Efrat and their children are its third and fourth generations. It grows six varieties from around the Mediterranean, Arbequina, Koroneiki, Askal, Moresca, Coratina and Souri, in close super-intensive rows harvested by machine, and sells them as single-variety oils, with a tasting box of four 250 ml bottles. The guided visit at its visitors' centre lasts about an hour and a half: a tasting around the hosts' table facing the valley, a walk in the grove in whatever season it is, and a look into the cold room where the oil is kept, at 60 shekels a guest with fruit and bread between tastings. The centre also hosts chef's dinners paired with its oils for up to 15 people, in Mediterranean, meat, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free styles, and the farm makes handmade soaps with about 70 percent of its own olive oil.