There are few things more perfect than Extra Virgin Olive Oil. And we know a lot about it. But just as we pamper and love this product for what it is, we know that there is no single perfect raw material to achieve this, within olives.
Surprising as it may seem, there are more than 200 types of olives for EVOO, to obtain the liquid gold that we love and with which we can enjoy all kinds of food.
Do you want to know all of them? We will show you some of them in this post.
Types of olives for SIQEV EVOO
It would be (almost) impossible to name all the types of olives for EVOO that exist, as there are so many of them. But we are going to talk about the main ones that can be found in the Extra Virgin Olive Oils that carry the SIQEV seal.
Hojiblanca
This olive variety is found between the south of Cordoba (where it originates) and the north of Malaga, although it is also present in areas of Seville and Granada.
Its name comes from the whitish colour of the tree’s leaves. It is sweet on the palate and there are numerous brands of SIQEV EVOO made from this type of olive.
Picual
The most frequent variety in our country and, therefore, the one of which we find more QVExtra! seals among our partners. Where can we find it? In Jaen, Cordoba, Seville and Granada.
It is considered the «most profitable» olive as it has a high production, high yield and sheds easily. As you already know, its name comes from its shape.
Picuda
Very common in the South Mountains of Cordoba. It provides aromatic oil characterised by green fruitiness and a fragrance with little bitterness.
Manzanilla
This type of olive can be found in Seville, Badajoz or Huelva and, although it is usually used more for the table than for milling EVOO, a high quality oil can be obtained. A little denser than others, though.
Cornicabra
From Castilla La Mancha, it has the second largest cultivation area and gives the oil a very characteristic aroma, with hints of apple.
Named after the curved shape of the fruit, reminiscent of a goat’s horn.
Arbequina
From a subtly different tree, a little smaller than the rest of the olive trees and with an olive that is also smaller than the others. A common variety in Arbeca, in Lerida.
Empeltre
Of Zaragoza origin, although it can also be found in olive trees in the Balearic Islands. They give the oil a yellowish colour and a slightly sweeter taste.
Lechín
Native to central Andalusia, the Lechín olive variety is found in Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz.
It is a fluid and unctuous oil, fruity and with hints of almonds.
Blanqueta
As its name suggests, the white of this olive is striking when ripe. A very frequent species in Valencia, Alicante, Murcia and Albacete.
Alfafarenca
Also known as Alfarara, this type of olive for EVOO is mainly found in Valencia, Alicante and Albacete, with a golden colour and whose name refers to its origin: the village of Alfarara in Alicante.
Which olives are used to make the best SIQEV EVOO?
These are just some of the fruits with which to obtain a spectacular Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Our partners know this very well and, in fact, you can find different SIQEV EVOOs with any of these varieties.