Did you know that not all olives are equally suited for the table or oil production? This actually depends on the different types of olives. The terms used to describe these types come from the abbreviation of the English phrase "cultivated variety" or the Latin "varietas culta."

Today, we'll take a closer look at the various varieties of olives, their significance, the main ones in Italy, and how to recognize them. Keep reading to dive into the world of the endless types of olives for oil, and you might be surprised by how they can be synonymous with quality.

Introduction to the Different Types of Olives for Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is obtained from specific cultivars. The entire process, from cultivation to storage and processing of the fruit, must be carried out quickly and carefully, starting with fruit harvested at the right stage of ripeness.

Most olive oils are obtained from a mix of multiple olive varieties, but there are also some monocultivar oils, which are produced from just one variety.

So, how many types of olives are there?

There are indeed many varieties of olives, with Italy ranking first, followed by Greece and Spain. In Italy alone, there are around 540 known varieties, and there may be even more.

Olives have been cultivated for over 600 years in the Mediterranean, where about 95% of the world's olive heritage is concentrated. Thanks to continuous olive selection, Italy boasts an unparalleled richness, making Italian extra virgin olive oil the best in the world.

With hundreds of different olive types, what distinguishes them from one another? Primarily, it all depends on the region of origin. Each cultivar is associated with a specific geographical area with unique territorial and climatic characteristics. Additionally, each variety has its own resistance to pest attacks.

The time of the olive harvest is another crucial element that differentiates one cultivar from another. Generally, olives are harvested from October to the end of December, but some varieties yield better results when harvested as late as January.

Besides the region where these fruits are grown and the harvest time, there are other factors that determine the differences among oil olive varieties:

• Color: Depending on the season, olives can range from bright green to black-violet. Depending on the type of olive, these colors can be more or less intense. As the color of the olives changes, so does the color of olive oil, which can range from deep green to golden yellow. Not everyone may know that the only difference between green olives and black olives is the degree of ripeness.
• Flavor and aroma: Some types of olives will produce oil with a more pungent flavor, while others will yield a product with a milder and more delicate taste and aroma.
• Quality: Certain types offer better yields, but we will explore this topic further later.

What Are the Different Varieties of Olives in Italy?

Italy is renowned for its rich diversity of olive cultivars, each with distinct characteristics influenced by factors such as region, harvest time, color, and flavor. It goes without saying that the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil  will also vary depending on the type of olive.

Let's explore the main types of olives found in Italy. We'll start with the Tuscan olive varieties, perhaps one of the most famous regions for olive production in the country. We'll also highlight a Ligurian olive cultivar before moving from the north to the center of Italy. Finally, we'll journey to the south, exploring the Apulian and Calabrian olive cultivars, and conclude with a look at the olive oil varieties from Sicily and Sardinia.

How to Recognize Types of Olives for Oil

As mentioned earlier, not all olives are destined for the table, and similarly, not all are meant for oil production. However, there are some olive cultivars with a dual purpose, meaning they yield well regardless of their end use. The main varieties of this type are Carolea, Leccino, and Taggiasca.

The differences between oil olives and table olives are:

• Size: Olives intended for oil production are smaller and rounder.

• Oil content: Oil olives have a higher pulp content.

• Harvest time: While oil olives are harvested from October to January for some types, table olives are usually harvested from mid-September to mid-November, typically at an earlier stage of ripeness.

Laudemio Frescobaldi: Guardians of the Best Olives for Olive Oil

As we've seen, there are many varieties of oil olives, but is one quality better than another? While taste remains entirely subjective, some varieties definitely offer higher quality in terms of yield. This also depends on weather conditions and, therefore, on the specific harvest year.

For the production of our Laudemio Frescobaldi extra virgin olive oil, we primarily use the Frantoio variety, along with other complementary olive cultivars such as Moraiolo and Leccino. These are considered the best olives for olive oil, the most appreciated in Italy and have a higher yield compared to others, which translates into better quality, flavor, and aroma.

The types of olives we use provide specific characteristics that give our oil its unique character: rich in polyphenols, an emerald green color, a fresh aroma reminiscent of freshly cut grass and artichoke, and an intense fruity flavor with just the right amount of spiciness.

Conclusion: The Importance of Olive Varieties

In conclusion, olive varieties play a crucial role in the production of extra virgin olive oil, influencing many aspects that determine its final quality. The different Italian regions offer a wealth of cultivars, each with characteristics related to climate, altitude, and harvest time. This diversity provides a broad range of flavors and aromas, enabling producers to create oils with a significant yield and distinct profiles.

The choice of olive varieties can ensure high quality, as exemplified by our Laudemio extra virgin olive oil. This oil stands out for its extraordinary uniqueness, resulting from rigorous production methods that honor the traditions of the Frescobaldi family and respect the environment. It is an excellent product of Italy, exported worldwide.