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<pre>Hi Phil,
Thank you for your inquiry,
We have our olive groves and press in Kfarhazir, Koura, North Lebanon. The olive
tree is heavily cultivated in the Koura County which is about 25 Kilometers from
Tripoli, the 2nd largest city in Lebanon. The climate there is typical
Mediterranean and the soils are on the heavy clay side, naturally rich in
Potassium and minor elements. If you'd like more information on our operation
please visit our web-site at: www.oliveharvest.com
On the Souri Variety, I believe the name is after Sour, The Southern coastal
city in Lebanon ( ancient name is Tyre). You have a point though because Souri
in Arabic also means Syrian. The reasoning for my belief is that there's another
Variety listed with the name Sury or Syrian which would differentiate from
Souri. The second reason would be the fact that Souri in very popular in Israel
which is a stone throw from Sour, supposedly where the variety Souri was
originated.
I found the best definition of characteristics and agronomic properties of Souri
at: www.oliveoilsource.com
there, click on olive facts and then go to olive varieties.

Regarding Beldi Variety, Beldi is an Arabic word for LOCAL. Those trees resemble
the Souri in growth habits. the fruit is a little bigger than souri with a
lesser oil content, still on the high side though ( about 25 % ). I should also
mention that Beldi has an excellent tolerance for the light frosts we get in
January and February. The fruit stays green when Mature.

I hope you find this information helpful,
Regards,
Chafic


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