A tour of the varieties of olives

Can you recognize the most common olive varieties and identify their differences? At Aceites Ad Morum, passionate about liquid gold and its richness, we are experts. We will teach you all the secrets!

Olives are one of the most appreciated delicacies in Mediterranean gastronomy. And for good reason, as this fruit not only surprises with its flavor but also offers us a new world with its oil production. We find different varieties of olives because each one has distinct characteristics. Therefore, each type of olive will have a special use in the kitchen. From the classic to the most exotic, learn all about olive varieties and the richness of flavors of each one.

Olive varieties in Spain

In the territory comprising the Iberian Peninsula, we find more than 250 varieties of olive trees of the species Olea europaea. This species, known as the olive tree, belongs to the family Oleaceae. This tree is truly characteristic as it requires abundant solar radiation. Therefore, it is resistant to high temperatures as well as occasional frosts. Although olive trees are found in different climatic zones of the Iberian Peninsula, better development has been identified in areas with precipitation records between 60–800 mm. Additionally, it requires cultivation with adequate irrigation, good drainage, and annual organic fertilizer.

Specifically, there are five varieties of great importance in Spain:

Arbequina

The Arbequina olive comes specifically from the town of Arbeca (Lleida). It is a widespread variety in Catalonia, as well as other communities such as Aragon, Castilla La Mancha, and Andalusia. Its delicate flavor makes it a popular choice for salads, as it subtly enhances the taste of these dishes. Therefore, it is characterized by a sweet flavor with a not excessively noticeable bitterness.

Hojiblanca

Originating from southern Spain, specifically Andalusia. It is an olive that stands out for its size, a little larger than usual. Its color varies from green to dark purple. Interestingly, they get this name due to the silvery appearance of the underside of the olive tree leaves. This variety stands out for its high content of oleic acid and polyphenols. The oil obtained from this olive is somewhat fruity, with notes of fresh grass and almonds. Like Arbequina, it has a slightly bitter and spicy touch.

Picual

It is the most important variety in terms of cultivation area, with 900,000 hectares, mainly in southern Andalusia. Its origin is in the region of Jaén, known as the "world capital of olive oil." Particularly, this variety is characterized by its oil quality. It has distinctive features that make it a unique and excellent choice. It has a unique flavor thanks to its balanced combination of bitterness, spiciness, and fruitiness. This and the special aroma of grass, tomato, olive leaves, and green almond give it an intense and complex personality. Likewise, it stands out for its high quality and stability thanks to its richness in oleic acid, which, in turn, benefits cardiovascular health.

Beyond these characteristics, the Picual variety stands out for its natural resistance to oxidation. Its high antioxidant content, as well as the presence of phenolic compounds. In this way, it confers a longer shelf life and greater stability against light and heat. Therefore, Picual Olive Oil can retain its properties and health benefits for much longer.

Cornicabra

The Cornicabra olive comes from the Castilla La-Mancha region. "Osnal", "Cornezuelo" or "Corniche" are some of the names given to this variety. Currently, its cultivation stands out in the Toledo and Ciudad Real areas. This olive oil variety is characterized by its recognizable golden yellow color. It also has a fresh aroma and a slight almond and spicy touch. Its high content of polyphenols and its great aroma make it quite versatile when enhancing the flavors of different dishes.

Empeltre

Despite its recognized nickname "Aragonese," it is also cultivated in Mallorca, Tarragona, La Rioja, and Castellón. An interesting fact about this golden-yellow olive type is that it has spread beyond its borders, to the region of Argentina. Consumed as a table olive, it stands out for its perfect balance of bitter, spicy, and sweet. It has a slight almond and apple flavor.

It is important to know how to choose which of the olive varieties best suits culinary and gastronomic needs. Among them, the Picual variety stands out as an excellent choice among the different varieties thanks to its culinary versatility and great health benefits. Picual Olive Oil will be your best ally to enhance dishes and delight the palate. Choose Picual Variety Olive Oil from Aceites Ad Morum, you won't regret it!