The olive groves of Trieste are of a standard not to be ignored. The extravirgin olive oil Tergeste is among the food products recognized by the European Union as DOP, that is protected status as a product typical of its area, thanks to its special characteristics of colour, aroma, taste and chemical properties. The main local variety is the highly-prized Bianchera or Belica with its delicate colouring. It is grown mainly on terraces facing the sea, where climatic conditions are milder than elsewhere in the region but it also thrives on the higher limestone areas of the Carso as long as these receive much-needed sunshine. The resulting oil is sharp with extremely low acidity. The hills around Muggia - at San Dorligo della Valle - are also favourable for olive cultivation since they too are protected from the wind. Herethere is also a Roman olive-press.