Arbequina

Description

This is a variety native to Catalonia (Spain), taking its name from the town of Arbeca in the province of Lleida. It is a variety that is resistant to cold and tolerant to salinity. It has high productivity, similar to Picual, good oil yield, and enters production early, although it is susceptible to iron chlorosis in limestone soils. Its habit is smaller than that of Picual and Hojiblanca. In the 1980s, it began to be introduced in Andalusia in new intensive single-trunk plantations. Later, given its adaptability and versatility, it became the main variety used for hedgerow (super-high-density) plantations, which are harvested using mechanical harvesters. Its leaves are small and lance-shaped. The fruit is small, round in shape and ripens early. Its oil is very fruity, with a fruitiness of olive and other fruits, notably banana, apple, pear and almond; it is smooth, sweet, and has almost imperceptible bitterness and pungency. It has low stability due to its high percentage of linoleic fatty acid and low polyphenol content.