A small fruit with a big story
When we taste Castelldans olive oil , we enjoy a soft and fruity flavor that transports us to sunny lands and fields of century-old olive trees. But did you know that behind this characteristic flavor lies a fascinating story? The history of the Arbequina olive is a journey that combines nobility, territory and tradition. And what’s more, it connects us with a very intimate part of Catalan agricultural culture.
To understand where we come from, we have to look back. The Arbequina olive, despite being the undisputed protagonist of Oliferm’s oil today, has origins much further back than we might imagine.
From the Middle East to Les Garrigues
According to various historical sources, this variety of olive was introduced to Catalonia around the 17th century , thanks to the curiosity of the Duke of Medinaceli , then viceroy of the Principality. During a diplomatic trip to the Middle East, the Duke was amazed by the taste of a small, aromatic olive that grew in Palestine.
Determined to test whether this variety could grow in our country, the Duke planted the first specimens in the town of Arbeca , in the region of Les Garrigues. The dry climate, cold winters and stony soil of the area proved perfect. So much so that the new variety not only adapted, but also became one of the most loved and productive in the territory. Thus was born the Arbequina olive , named in honor of the town that welcomed it.
A resistant tree for demanding soils
The Arbequina not only stands out for its flavor, but also for its adaptability. It is a drought-resistant variety, small in size but highly productive, and with a very rapid entry into production. Therefore, it is not surprising that it has become the queen of olive trees in areas like Castelldans , where the olive growing tradition is part of the town’s DNA.
Furthermore, its compact morphology and small leaves make it ideal for modern or even domestic cultivation. But most importantly, it yields an exceptional oil.
An oil with character and benefits
The extra virgin olive oil obtained from Arbequinas stands out for its fruity profile, with notes of apple, almond and freshly cut grass. On a nutritional level, it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids , natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds beneficial for cardiovascular health.
At Oliferm , we cold process it, as it was done in the past, but with current technology to ensure that each drop preserves all its properties. In this way, we honor the history of the Arbequina olive while offering a product of the highest quality.
From history to the table
In short, the story of the Arbequina olive is not just that of a fruit. It is also that of the land that grows it, of the people who care for it with dedication and of the families who, year after year, have grown it with pride. In Castelldans, this small olive symbolizes much more than a crop: it represents a way of living and feeling the landscape.
That’s why, when you give or consume a bottle of Oliferm , you’re not just choosing high-quality oil. You’re opening a bottle of living history.
