The Agrisicilia team
Olives in Sicily in November: Harvest, Production of New Oil and Various Varieties
November is a special month in Sicily for lovers of olives and extra virgin olive oil. The region is renowned for its production of high-quality olive oil and this month marks the crucial period for the olive harvest and production of the new oil.
Olive harvest:
Olive harvesting is an ancient tradition in Sicily. The hills and plains of the island fill with color and movement as farmers begin harvesting. The harvest tradition is often a family and community celebration, where the olives are harvested by hand or with combs, letting the ripe fruit fall onto sheets spread under the trees.
Production of New Oil:
Once harvested, the olives are transported to the mills where the oil extraction process begins. The olives are washed, ground and pressed to extract the precious liquid. The new, fresh and vibrant oil is often celebrated with parties and tastings. Its flavor is intense, with a fruity and spicy aftertaste.
Various Varieties of Olives in Sicily:
In Sicily, many varieties of olives can be found, each with its distinctive characteristics.
Nocellara del Belice: One of the best-known varieties, large in size, has a sweet and fruity flavour.
Cerasuola: Large olives with a bitter, spicy flavor, often used for oil.
Biancolilla: Smaller olives with a higher yield, with a delicate and fruity flavour.
Tonda Iblea: Known for its meaty pulp and balanced flavor, it is widely used to produce high quality oil.
Differences between the various varieties:
The various varieties of olives are distinguished by size, shape, flavor and use. Some are excellent for oil, while others are preferred as table olives. The taste can vary from sweet to spicy, from bitter to fruity. These differences affect the flavor and final use of olive oil.
November is an extraordinary time in Sicily, when the olives transform into the green gold of extra virgin olive oil. The variety of olives and the passion in oil production make this period a significant moment for Sicilian agriculture and culture. Tasting freshly pressed oil is an extraordinary experience that celebrates the richness and age-old tradition linked to olive oil in this beautiful region.
