Israel Romero / Thursday, January 8, 2026 / Categories: Blog The Picual Olive: Andalusia's Heritage for the World The Picual Olive: Andalusia's Heritage for the World At Made in Spain Gourmet you already know we like to share our knowledge with you. We know Spain is undervalued simply because its gastronomic treasures are not well known. There are products that need no introduction. The Picual olive is one of them. It is part of the landscape, the culture and the way of life in Andalusia, and from there it has traveled across the world, winning over kitchens, restaurants and tables that look for something very specific: flavor, authenticity and truth. At Made in Spain Gourmet we talk a lot about origin, because we firmly believe that's where everything begins. And when we talk about extra virgin olive oil, talking about Picual is talking about heritage. What is the Picual olive? Picual is the most cultivated olive variety in Spain and in the world. It accounts for almost half of the national production of extra virgin olive oil. Its name comes from the small “point” or beak that the fruit has at one end, an identifying mark as simple as it is recognizable. It is a medium-sized olive, resilient, sturdy, capable of adapting to demanding climatic conditions. And that, as often happens, is clearly reflected in the oil it produces: powerful, intense and full of character. Where is Picual grown? Although today we can find Picual in different areas of Spain and even beyond our borders, its soul is in Andalusia, especially in: Jaén, the great global heart of olive oil Córdoba, with areas of historic olive groves Granada and part of Málaga Castilla la Mancha has also embraced it and there are also Picual olive groves there Jaén deserves a special mention. It is not only the province with the most olive trees in the world, it is a territory where Picual is part of daily life, the landscape and the family economy for generations. Here the olive is not a crop: it is a way of life. What is a Picual EVOO like? The Picual extra virgin olive oil does not go unnoticed. It is an oil with personality, one you recognize at first contact. Visually it is usually deep green, especially when produced from early-harvest olives. On the nose it is very expressive: notes of olive leaf, freshly cut grass, green tomato, fig tree, artichoke. On the palate it is intensely fruity, with bitterness and pungency present but balanced, which do not irritate but add depth and persistence. It is an oil that “fills” the palate and leaves a lasting impression. That is why, once you get used to a good Picual… you rarely go back. Characteristics and benefits of Picual Beyond flavor, Picual stands out for something very important: its stability and its health properties. It is rich in oleic acid, beneficial for cardiovascular health It has a high content of polyphenols, natural antioxidants It is an oil especially resistant to oxidation, ideal both for raw use and for cooking This makes it a very versatile oil: perfect for dressing, but also for stews, sautés or even well-done frying. In many Andalusian homes, Picual is the “all-purpose” oil. And it is no coincidence. Recommendations from Made in Spain Gourmet At Made in Spain Gourmet we select Picuals that represent different ways of understanding excellence, always with a common denominator: origin, respect and real quality. Oleum Alcazaba Picual Ecológico An honest, balanced and very well-crafted organic Picual. Ideal for those who seek intensity but also harmony. Perfect for vegetables, legumes and everyday gourmet-level cooking. Castillo de Canena Picual Biodinámico A world reference. Here we are talking about another level: precision, elegance and absolute respect for the environment. A complex, deep Picual, meant to be enjoyed raw and savored slowly. Oro la Senda Picual Ecológico An oil with character, very faithful to the variety, with that green and vibrant note we love. Ideal for traditional dishes, toast, eggs, tomatoes… those that elevate the simple. Verde Divino Picual Intense, fresh and very expressive. A direct Picual, without artifice, that quickly connects with those seeking authentic flavor and a clear experience from the first use. Spain and EVOO: leadership with purpose Spain is the world's largest producer of extra virgin olive oil. But what truly matters is not the quantity, but the quality. And on that front, our country plays in a different league. For years we have learned, improved processes, and committed to early harvesting, traceability and differentiation. Today the best EVOO in the world, on many occasions, is born here. And Picual has been and continues to be one of the main reasons for that recognition. Made in Spain Gourmet: buy with confidence At Made in Spain Gourmet we believe consumers deserve to know what they are buying, where it comes from and why it is good. That is why we select, taste and work only with producers who do things right. Our commitment is clear: to help you buy the best of Spain, without noise, without passing fads and with total confidence. The Picual olive is not just a variety. It is history, it is its land and it is the future. And here, at Made in Spain Gourmet, it has its place. AUTHOR: Israel Romero, CEO of Made in Spain Gourmet. The best start to the year, with a Made-in-Spain flavor. Gourmet organic products from Spain: when origin makes the difference Print 4 Rate this article: No rating Tags: EVOOPicualoliveolive oil Please login or register to post comments.