Picual olive oil is one of the most renowned in the world. In Spain, it represents more than half of the olive groves and is often the gateway to the fascinating world of olive oil, both because it is so widespread and because of its characteristic flavor.
Characteristics of the Picual variety
The world’s most famous olive has a very distinctive shape that gives it its name: a slightly pointed tip at the bottom. Its color ranges from deep green to black, depending on the stage of ripening.
Why do so many farmers choose the Picual olive?
Very simple: it adapts to many different soils and climates, and its oil offers numerous health benefits, making it highly valued by experts and consumers. Its early ripening allows for early harvests, producing greenish, highly fruity oils with strong antioxidant properties.
Andalusia is the world’s main olive oil producer, and around half of its production is Picual. Its flavor is therefore associated with the gastronomy of this region, from cold soups like gazpacho to fried dishes such as pescaíto frito. Its flavor profile mixes fruity, bitter, and spicy notes, depending on the ripeness of the fruit.
Picual olive oil tasting
Picual olive oil is ideal for consuming raw due to the richness and versatility of its notes, ranging from fruity freshness to a strong, buttery flavor with bitter and spicy touches. It is a very diverse varietal, with some oils offering milder flavors and others more intense. One thing is undeniable: Picual olive oil has a lot of personality and enhances many dishes.
Pairing Picual olive oil
Its wide range of flavors shines when used as a dressing, mainly on salads, bread, or creams. But the possibilities are endless, depending on the mill, and it pairs well with almost all foods. You can enjoy it with cheeses, cured meats, preserves, both meat and fish, and even some fried dishes with Picual olive oil turn out delicious.
The stability of the oil also makes Picual suitable for slow-cooked stews, where it can contribute significantly to the final flavor.
In the end, pairing is a matter of experimentation. For example, we can tell you that our latest discovery, MO Premium, pairs spectacularly well with citrus fruits!
Try Picual olive oil
At Origen Oliva we have a wide selection of the best Picual olive oils. Take a look and choose your next discovery!
