Olive oil is an essential part of Spanish cuisine and culture. Spain is the world's leading producer of olive oil, accounting for around one-third of global production, and the country has a long history of olive cultivation and oil production, dating back to ancient times. Spain produces a wide variety of olive oils, ranging from mild to robust, depending on the region and the type of olive used. Some of the most popular olive oil varieties in Spain include arbequina, picual, hojiblanca, and cornicabra. Each variety has its unique flavour and aroma profile.
So, why is olive oil so popular in Spain? What is the best olive oil in Spain? We're going to let you find out for yourself, so that you can add new flavours to your dishes, with our guide to the best olive oil in Spain, including 5 of the best protected designations of origin (PDO) in the country. Let's get started and find the best olive oil in Spain.
What is considered the best olive oil in the world?
Determining the "best" olive oil can be subjective and depends on factors such as taste preferences, production methods, and individual experiences. However, there are several regions renowned for producing high-quality olive oils, Spain included:
- Italy: Regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Sicily are known for their exceptional olive oils, such as those made from the Frantoio, Leccino, and Coratina varieties.
- Spain: Areas like Andalusia, Catalonia, and Valencia produce top-notch olive oils, with varieties like Picual, Arbequina, and Hojiblanca being highly regarded.
- Greece: Regions like Crete, Kalamata, and Peloponnese are famous for their high-quality olive oils, often made from Koroneiki olives.
- Portugal: The Douro Valley and Alentejo regions are known for producing excellent olive oils, particularly those made from the Galega and Cobrançosa varieties.
- California, USA: Increasingly, California is gaining recognition for its olive oils, especially from producers in regions like Napa Valley and Paso Robles.
The best Spanish olive oil
Spain is renowned for producing some of the finest olive oils in the world. The diverse geography and climate of Spain provide ideal conditions for olive cultivation. From the sunny groves of Andalusia to the lush landscapes of Catalonia and the arid plains of Extremadura, each region offers its own terroir, influencing the flavour profile of the olive oils produced there. Here are our top picks:
Sierra de Cazorla
The Andalusia region in southern Spain is the largest producer of olive oil, accounting for around 80% of the country's production. Jaén, a province in Andalusia, is known as the world's "olive oil capital" due to its high production of high-quality olive oil. This makes the region possibly the best place to get olive oil in Spain.
Sierra de Cazorla is located in this province of Jaén in Andalusia. Its Denomination of Origin has around 37,000 hectares of olive trees and an oil production of approximately 38,000,000kg. The olive oil from this area is said to be of great stability, slightly bitter, very fruity and the olives here are said to be rich in vitamins A, D, E and K.
Olive oil tourism is a way of life in this area. When you visit, we highly recommend going on an "oleotur" where you will get the full Spanish olive oil experience. You will be able to find out how the olive tree is cultivated, the extraction of the oil and even do some olive oil tasting. Our recommendation for the best olive oil in this area is Puerta de las Villas.
Gata-Hurdes
To the north of the province of Cáceres, comprising mainly the regions of Sierra de Gata and Hurdes, is the Denomination of Origin Gata-Hurdes. Olive oil production here is much smaller than other areas of Spain, but highly appreciated by experts. The olive oil from this area is famous across the world and is frequently exported to countries such as Japan, China and the United States.
This Denomination produces a dense olive oil with a percentage of oleic acid generally above 75%. The variety of olive is the manzanilla cacereña, which gives this Spanish olive oil the flavour of intense fruit, including apple, almond and banana. The production area provides a great contrast of cold winters and warm summers, something that gives the oil great character.
Les Garrigues
The following location is home to some of the best Spanish olive oils, and it's La Comarca de Les Garrigues. It's situated in the province of Lleida, south of Segrià and Urgell regions. The excellent quality of the oil is due to the Arbequina variety, favourable climatic conditions, and meticulous cold processing, resulting in a unique and traditional oil full of character. All the stages of the production process, including planting, preparation, and packaging, are carried out within the region. A visit to Les Garrigues will allow you to experience a dense and flavourful oil with hints of tomato and green almond.
- Find your holiday home in the province of Lleida
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La Rioja
La Rioja is famous worldwide for its vineyards and wines, but it's also home to a Denomination of Origin of olive oil that you shouldn't miss during your travels. The cultivation of olive trees in this region has been preserved for centuries using traditional methods, and more recently, modern harvesting techniques have been introduced. As a result, the annual production of olive oil in the region is approximately 650,000 liters.
The olive varieties grown in La Rioja include hojiblanca, arbequina, and picual, and the use of genetically modified varieties is prohibited. The 70 brands of the Denomination of Origin offer a range of oils with a predominant bitter taste and high levels of oleic acid.
Sierra de Cádiz
The Sierra de Cádiz, in the northeast of the province, has beautiful villages in its territory such as Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas or Olvera. The landscape is home to gentle hills and thousands of olive trees. From these wonderful olive trees in Southern Spain, we can obtain one of the tastiest Spanish extra virgin olive oils, with aromas reminiscent of wild fruits.
The 20,000 hectares of olive trees are located in a difficult terrain in which the use of machinery and pesticides is more complicated, meaning that the olive oil obtained from this area is mostly organic and balanced on the palate.
What is the most popular olive in Spain?
The most popular olive variety in Spain is the Picual olive. Picual olives are widely cultivated throughout the Andalusia region, particularly in provinces like Jaén, which is one of the largest olive oil-producing areas in the world. The Picual olive is highly esteemed for its high oil content, excellent flavour profile, and its ability to withstand high temperatures and harsh growing conditions.
Picual olive oil is characterised by its robust and fruity flavour, with peppery and slightly bitter notes. It's often used both for cooking and as a finishing oil, adding depth and complexity to dishes. Additionally, Picual olive oil is known for its exceptional stability and long shelf life, making it a favourite among producers and consumers alike.
What is special about Spanish olive oil?
Spanish olive oil is renowned for its high quality, excellent flavour, and nutritional value. Here are some of the reasons why Spanish olive oil is special:
- Rich History: Spain has a long and rich history of olive cultivation and oil production. Olive trees have been grown in Spain for thousands of years, and the country is one of the world's largest producers of olive oil.
- Climate: The warm Mediterranean climate of Spain is ideal for growing olive trees. The country's varied geography and climate conditions contribute to the diversity of olive oil varieties produced in Spain.
- Variety: Spain produces a wide range of olive oil varieties, each with its unique flavour profile. Some of the most popular varieties include arbequina, picual, hojiblanca, and cornicabra.
- Quality: Spanish olive oil is known for its high quality and is subject to strict regulations to ensure its authenticity and purity. The Denomination of Origin (D.O.) system certifies and protects Spanish olive oils that meet certain standards.
- Health Benefits: Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its health benefits. Spanish olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.
In summary, the rich history, climate, variety, quality, and health benefits make Spanish olive oil a unique and special product, and overall, olive oil is an important and cherished part of Spain's culture and culinary tradition.
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