This olive is typical of the provinces of Lleida and Tarragona, and has expanded a lot in other territories such as Andalusia, for example. The reasons for this expansion are a great adaptability to other terrains and a high production and yield. In fact, there are numerous super-intensive plantations of this type of Arbequina olive tree that are cultivated in these territories where there were no Arbequina olives before.
The main characteristic of Arbequina extra virgin oil is that it enters the mouth sweet, as well as being very soft. Itchiness and bitterness are not its characteristic. In any case, if it pitted, it would be attributed to its recent extraction or to the fact that the olives were harvested in an early stage of maturation.
It is therefore a perfect juice for introducing olive oil to people who are not used to consuming it. This avoids the rejection that could occur with other oils with a stronger flavour, as is the case with picual olive oil. Therefore, it is perfect for children, or for export to other countries where olive oil is culturally unknown.
Uses of arbequina olive oil
The uses that we can give it in the kitchen are very varied. In fact, since it is an olive oil with such a delicate and smooth flavor and therefore by not interfering with the flavors of food, its combinations are multiple.
Therefore, it is used to make sauces or mayonnaise or even in pastries it serves as a substitute for butter or margarine. Also, when it comes to taking it raw, dressing a salad, or taking it with toast, it is ideal.