There are many different varieties of olives and each one of them has unique properties, due to the soil conditions and climate in which they grow. Some of these varieties of fruits give rise to the different varieties of SIQEV EVOO that exist.
In the Iberian Peninsula alone, there are more than 260 olive varieties, although not all of them are used to produce EVOO. The most famous ones for oil production are: Picual, Arbequina, Hojiblanca and Cornicabra. But do you know the difference between these EVOOs?
Top tips to distinguish between SIQEV EVOO varieties
As we mentioned, there are many varieties of SIQEV EVOO, but in this blog we will show you some of the characteristics of the main four varieties. However, it is important to note that not all SIQEV Picual EVOOs are the same, nor are all Arbequina SIQEV EVOOs.
Nonetheless, some of the general characteristics of these four varieties are as follows:
Picual
The Picual variety is the most widespread one in the world and is so-called because of its beak shape (in Spanish, ‘pico’).
It produces the most intense EVOO, usually with a greenish colour and an aroma reminiscent of tomato plants. It is smooth on the palate, with a touch of bitterness and spiciness.
Hojiblanca
This variety is found in the south of the peninsula and owes its name to the whitish colour of its leaves (in Spanish, ‘hoja blanca’ means white leaf). The EVOO provided by this variety has a mild flavour and golden tones. On the palate, it has hints of sweetness and only a little spiciness at the end. Its aroma is reminiscent of fresh grass, apple and banana.
Cornicabra
The previous varieties were more common in the south, but this variety is more typical in the centre of the peninsula. It produces a complex EVOO, with aromas of aromatic herbs and nuts.
Its flavour ranges from medium to strong spiciness and intensity, depending on whether it is harvested early or late, but in all cases it is an EVOO with a very high density and a golden yellow or intense green colour.
Arbequina
A variety originating from Lleida, that produces a light and very fruity EVOO. Its aroma is reminiscent of apple, ripe banana and fruits in general. Its flavour is very mild and, unlike other EVOOs, it does not usually leave a scratchy throat.
Do you want to know more about the different varieties of SIQEV EVOO? We will tell you more on our blog at a later date.
