What is Arbequina olive oil?
Origin and History
- Arbequina (AR-BEH-KI-NA) gets its name from the Catalonia region in Spain, from the village of Arbeca in Lerida.
- These olives have been cultivated for centuries, and their oil is a staple in Spanish cuisine. Arbequina is mainly found in Lerida, Tarragona, Córdoba and Jaén (where Reinos de Taifas is based).
What are Arbequina olives?
Arbequina Olive Characteristics
- Arbequina is a small, symmetrical olive fruit that can be pink, burnt orange, or black. It weighs at an average of 1.9 g.
- Although the olives have a low flesh-to-stone ratio, Arbequina trees yield abundant fruits, producing an oil yield of around 22-27%—one of the highest among the main olive cultivars.
- Therefore, Arbequina has emerged as one of the prevailing global olive cultivars typically grown in high-intensity, high-density plantations. The second video from our Olive Harvest blog post shows what intensive olive cultivation looks like.
Flavour Profile
- Arbequina EVOO is made of 100% Arbequina olives, which give it its flavour. A bottle of EVOO made exclusively of Arbequina ensures excellent taste and the best quality.
- Arbequina has a mild, fruity taste with a hint of nuttiness. It often has notes of apple, green almond, and banana.
- Typically, it has a fresh, fruity aroma, including hints of green grass, tomato, and artichoke.
- This EVOO is ideal for families, especially children who may not be accustomed to more pungent tastes.
Health Benefits
- Like all extra virgin olive oils, Arbequina is high in antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- It is a good source of healthy fats, which benefit heart health and help lower harmful cholesterol levels.
- Contains vitamins E and K, essential for skin health, immune function, and blood clotting.
Culinary Uses
- Arbequina EVOO is versatile and can be used in various dishes. Its mild flavour makes it perfect for both cooking and finishing dishes.
- It is excellent as a dipping oil for bread or drizzling over cooked dishes such as grilled vegetables or pasta. Arbequina makes tasty Spanish alioli dip, too.
- Its mild flavour makes it suitable for baking. In Spain, olive oil is a common ingredient used to make Magdalena, a sweet muffin typically eaten and paired with coffee as a ‘merienda’ (a term used as a meal time before dinner time). Castro del Rio, a small village where Reinos de taifas is based, is famous for its Magdalenas made with EVOO.
Food Pairing
- It pairs well with mild cheeses such as fresh mozzarella or burrata.
- Adding just Arbequina and salt enhances the taste of roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
Testimonials
- You can read other people’s opinions about our Arbequina products through our online shop. Also, we have more than 250 reviewers on Trustpilot.
Harvesting time
- Olive fruit matures in early October and lasts until January. The time the fruit ripens varies yearly, depending on climate conditions.
- Harvesting occurs typically between December and February, depending on when the fruits reach their optimal point of maturity.
- Reinos de Taifas cares for both the olive trees and the environment. Our page on sustainable farming (internal link) explains how we grow our crops.
Limited Production
- Our farm is so dependent on the weather that we have limited stock available to meet the high demands.
- To maintain the oil’s quality, Reinos de Taifas store it in special tanks and bottle it in small batches to ensure freshness for our customers.
Would you try our Reinos de Taifas Arbequina extra virgin olive oil?
Enjoy a hassle-free delivery with Reinos de Taifas buying at our online shop, bringing the product to your home.
Buy Arbequina extra virgin olive oil
Enjoy a hassle-free delivery with Reinos de Taifas. Buy today at our online shop, and we will bring the product conveniently to your home.