It is one of the most representative varieties of olive cultivated in the world and one of the most known and appreciated by the consumer. We are talking about the Picual, a variety that stands out for its great stability and its characteristic chemical and organoleptic profile. The oils that are extracted from it, like the Magnun Sess references, are true jewels for lovers of quality products.

Approximately one in ten of the 900 million olive trees in the various production areas belongs to the Picual variety. And it is not by accident that this reality is due to the fact that this variety has demonstrated its enormous adaptability in different geographical and climatic contexts. Becoming the most cultivated variety in the world, it accounts for almost one million hectares, almost all of them located in Andalusia.

One in ten of the 900 million olive trees in the different production areas belongs to the Picual variety.

Agronomically speaking, it is one of the most interesting traditional crops, thanks to its high oil productivity, its easy growing and its fast and constant entry into production.

Its territory: the upper valley of Guadalquivir river

The Picual is, without a doubt, the variety best adapted and which produces more in the upper valley of the Guadalquivir, more concretely in Jaén, where the biggest olive grove of the planet is concentrated, constituted by almost 600.000 hectares.

An olive-growing area with more than 66 million olive trees, stretches to the horizon and forms a gentle relief in the form of hills and ridges, drawing a singular landscape that obnubiles all those who cross Despeñaperros for the first time.

Uncertain origin

It is difficult to know the exact origin of this type of olive tree, however, it is known that the town of Martos in Jaén is home to a few specimens that are more than five centuries old.

The olive growers themselves refer to this rustic variety as Marteña, the same ones who reserve the name Picual in homage to the pointed shape of their olives.

There, most Picual olive groves are cultivated with several feet (trunks) that emerge from the ground to raise their treetops. Modern single-trunk olive groves are cultivated in narrower planting frames, but are highly productive under favourable climatic conditions.

The main economic support of thousands of families who grow them and work hard to give them the care they need. Picuales olive trees are very sensitive to drought, faithful in their harvests and very humble in their demands.

The Picual is also known by the pseudonym of Marteña.

Early harvest, oils full of polyphenols

Picual olive is usually harvested early, that is, before the olive begins to ripen – changing color, turning from green to purple. Therefore, the oils offered are usually very green and fruity at first to become softer as they evolve over time.

They are also very stable, very bitter and spicy due to their high content of polyphenols –molecules that make up the unsaponifiable fraction of oils-, which act as protectors against oxidation.

These natural antioxidants are more plentiful in early oils than in those made from olives with a greenish tint and, in the case of Picuales, are accompanied by a high concentration of oleic acid.

The extra virgin Picuales are very stable due to their high composition of polyphenols.

For these and other reasons, the extra virgins obtained from Picuales olives are very much appreciated, as well as known, by a large part of the consumers around the world. Especially among those who do not ingest large quantities or are looking for oils that resist the passage of time. But also among those who demand some vegetable fat that resists frying without degrading.

Characteristics of extra virgins

The juices provided by Picuales olives have very peculiar characteristics. Below, we show you some generic information about their chemical parameters, sensory attributes and tasting notes.

  ^{(*) Parts per million}

Now that you know a little more about this variety, you can enjoy our Magnun Sess product portfolio: Superior, Organic and Premium, three extra virgins perfect for harmonizing the most succulent gastronomy!