Varieties of Olives for Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Buying Guide

At Ibérico Taste, we (Milana and Guillermo) enjoy offering authentic Spanish gourmet products, especially extra virgin olive oils (EVOO). Customers often ask us about olive varieties. Here’s a quick guide to the main Spanish olives you'll find in our store.

Top Spanish Olive Varieties for Gourmet Olive Oils

1. Picual Olive Oil

Picual olives produce bold and robust oils, characterized by intense bitterness and peppery notes.

• Flavor notes: Green grass, tomato leaf, fig.
• Best paired with: grilled meats, hearty dishes, rich sauces.

2. Arbequina Olive Oil

Arbequina oils are mild, fruity, and smooth, perfect for delicate culinary applications.

• Flavor notes: Almond, green apple, banana.
• Best paired with: salads, seafood, baking, desserts.

3. Hojiblanca Olive Oil

Hojiblanca offers a balanced profile with moderate bitterness and spiciness, ideal for daily use.

• Flavor notes: Fresh herbs, almond, green apple.
• Best paired with: roasted vegetables, pasta, bread dipping.

4. Picuda Olive Oil

Picuda oils have a sweet, fruity aroma with gentle bitterness and a slightly peppery finish.

• Flavor notes: Green fruit, almonds, mild herbs.
• Best paired with: fish, cheeses, salads, subtle dishes.

5. Cornicabra Olive Oil

Cornicabra produces robust, spicy, full-bodied oils rich in antioxidants.

• Flavor notes: Artichoke, bitter almond, fresh herbs.
• Best paired with: grilled meats, aged cheeses, flavorful dishes.

6. Manzanilla Olive Oil

Manzanilla oils are mild, fresh, and delicately fruity, great for balanced dishes.

• Flavor notes: Mild fruitiness, almond, grassy notes.
• Best paired with: salads, vegetables, seafood dishes.

How to Choose the Right Olive Variety?

Match mild dishes with Arbequina or Manzanilla oils. For intense dishes, choose Picual or Cornicabra.

Buy Spanish Gourmet Olive Oils Online

Explore our carefully selected Spanish extra virgin olive oils at Ibérico Taste.