Olive Varieties in Spain and Their Characteristics

Olive Varieties in the World and in Spain

Across the planet, there are over 1,500 cultivated olive varieties, each adapted to the specific climatic and soil conditions of its region.

Spain, as the world leader in the production of olive oil and table olives, boasts more than 260 olive varieties, making it the country with the greatest diversity of cultivars. Here are the most important and widely used in our beautiful country:

1-Picual

Planting Zone: Primarily in Jaén, but also in Córdoba and Granada.
Characteristics: High stability and resistance to oxidation, with a bitter and spicy flavor. It has a high content of polyphenols and antioxidants and is resistant to diseases and adverse climatic conditions.
Use: Produces very high-quality extra virgin olive oil with great stability, ideal for frying and preserving, but also excellent for raw consumption and cooking due to its robust flavor.

2-Hojiblanca

Planting Zone: Córdoba, Málaga, and Seville.
Characteristics: Mild flavor with herbaceous and fruity notes, resistance to cold and drought. It is characterized by a pleasant texture and a golden-green color.
Use: Used for producing both extra virgin olive oil and table olives, especially in the black olive variety.

3-Arbequina

Planting Zone: Catalonia and Aragón, although it has spread to other regions.
Characteristics: Fruity and sweet flavor with notes of apple and almond, and low polyphenol content. Its oil is golden in color with a smooth texture.
Use: Production of extra virgin olive oil, popular for its delicate flavor and mild aroma, used in raw form and in cosmetics.

4-Cornicabra

Planting Zone: Castilla-La Mancha, mainly in Toledo and Ciudad Real.
Characteristics: Intense and fruity flavor with notes of green leaf and moderate bitterness. High oleic acid content.
Use: Production of extra virgin olive oil with high stability, ideal for cooking and frying.

5-Manzanilla

Planting Zone: Seville and Extremadura.
Characteristics: Mild and delicate flavor with a perfect balance between bitterness and spiciness. It is a small olive but of high quality.
Use: Primarily for table olives, both green and black, appreciated for their firm texture and balanced flavor.

6-Empeltre

Planting Zone: Aragón and the Balearic Islands.
Characteristics: Sweet and mild flavor with notes of almond and tomato. Its oil is light and golden yellow.
Use: Production of extra virgin olive oil and table olives, popular in the preparation of sauces and dressings.

7-Lechín de Sevilla

Planting Zone: Western Andalusia.
Characteristics: Bitter and spicy flavor with high drought resistance. Its oil is intensely golden and has a thick texture.
Use: Production of extra virgin olive oil, commonly used in cooking.

8-Picudo

Planting Zone: Córdoba.
Characteristics: Fruity flavor with notes of almond, apple, and tomato. Its oil is green-golden and has a smooth texture.
Use: Production of extra virgin olive oil, commonly used in cooking.

9-Verdial

Planting Zone: Málaga and Almería.
Characteristics: Sweet and fruity flavor with low acidity. Its oil is golden and has a light texture.
Use: Production of extra virgin olive oil, used in baking and delicate dishes.

10-Blanqueta

Planting Zone: Valencian Community.
Characteristics: Bitter and spicy flavor with high resistance to pests. Its oil is intensely green and has a dense texture.
Use: Production of extra virgin olive oil, used in dressings and marinades.

Olive Production and Use

Spain is a global leader in the production of olive oil and table olives, standing out as a world reference. However, other countries with a strong olive-growing tradition include Turkey, Palestine, Italy, Greece, France, and Israel.

Table olives are classified into three types based on their color:

Green Olives: Harvested at their optimal ripeness, they are of normal or standard size.
Black Olives: Harvested before being fully ripe and treated for consumption, acquiring their characteristic black color.
Changing Color Olives: Harvested before fully ripening, they display colors such as pink, brown, or purple.

In Summary

The diversity of olive varieties in Spain, along with the significance of olive oil and table olive production, highlights the rich olive-growing tradition of our country. There is a saying, "In variety, there is delight."

I recommend trying different types of Extra Virgin Olive Oils and table olives to experience their differences and find the ones you like the most.