The olive tree that gives us the hojiblanca olive stands out at first glance for the lighter colour of its leaves. And when it is heavy with fruit, you immediately notice that the olives are resistant to falling off.
To make things more interesting, it is one of the varieties most affected by alternate bearing (year-to-year fluctuations in productivity), and when the fruits are milled, its oil yield is not very high compared to the leading varieties like picual and arbequina. So why would our admired farmers bother cultivating a difficult tree with modest yield?
In reality, there are two reasons:
- The hojiblanca olive is an excellent table olive.
- Hojiblanca extra virgin olive oil is simply delicious. That’s why the effort is worth it!
Characteristics of the Hojiblanca olive
Its characteristic rounded shape and light green colour, which gradually darkens, make it well-known as a table olive.
The hojiblanca olive is one of the most iconic varieties in our lands, especially in central Andalusia (Córdoba, Málaga, Sevilla, and Granada), ranking third in cultivation after picual and arbequina. It originates from Lucena, Córdoba, and is therefore also known as Lucentino.
Hojiblanca olive oil tasting
As we always say, there are no universal rules, but many hojiblanca oils tend to have a slightly bitter taste with a somewhat more intense pungency. They often have a sweeter initial flavour, which some oils maintain before transitioning to almondy notes, while others move to the characteristic bitterness of green fruit, offering nuances for all tastes.
Hojiblanca olive oil pairing
As with the arbequina olive, hojiblanca olive oil is excellent in baking and pastry due to its sweet aroma. The more intense hojiblanca oils can elevate salads with leafy greens and legumes thanks to their strong aroma, which can also complement vinaigrettes and raw sauces.
Our Hojiblanca olive oils
Of course, at Origen Oliva we offer a notable selection of hojiblanca olive oils from renowned mills. We encourage you to try them and discover your favourite!
