Oleocampo Esencia del Sur (5L CAN) - 100% Picual

Producer's Notes: Oleocampo Esencia del Sur is a pillar of the Mediterranean diet.

OLEOCAMPO produces high-quality extra virgin olive oils every year. The olive trees from Campiña Sur de Jaén are of the Picual variety, and the olives, harvested at their perfect point of ripeness, provide a delicate aroma, a balanced taste, and significant health benefits.

Picual variety:

The Picual olives are one of the most cultivated varieties of Spain. The olive oil extracted from Picual olives has a medium aromatic profile with pleasant notes of tomato, fig tree, olive leaf, and freshly cut grass. Its oil is also well known for its strong bitter- and spiciness. It is often mixed with other oil to soften its bitterness and enhance its fruity flavor. Thanks to its stability the olive oil extracted from Picual olive has a long shelf life and makes it stable for cooking or frying.

About Oleocampo:

Oleocampo is a cooperative established in 1995 in the beautiful province of Jaén. With 3,472 members, it manages an impressive 10,812 hectares of olive groves, home to over 1 million trees! Currently, Oleocampo operates five olive oil mills: Santa Catalina, San Bartolomé, La Unión, Consolación, and San Francisco de Asís. These mills have a rich history, having produced extra virgin olive oil for bottling and marketing for over fifty years. Their dedication to producing quality oils exemplifies the spirit of this cooperation. Its premium product range is regarded as some of the finest in Spain.

ElOlivo review:

We’ve been on the hunt for a decent all-round Picual extra virgin olive oil for over a year, but the prices have always been a bit high for us. Thankfully, we finally found one that fits our budget!

Let us share a few thoughts about this oil: it’s a good choice for everyday use, featuring aromas of grass, dried fruits, and ripe olives. On the palate, it offers a pleasing balance of medium bitterness and spiciness, with notes of grass, dried fruits, and nuts—truly a classic! The name Esencia de Sur means "the essence of the south," which perfectly captures its character.

This oil is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. As a Picual EVOO, it’s perfect for frying thanks to its high smoke point, but it’s also fantastic for cooking and baking. If you’re searching for a decent EVOO at a reasonable price, this one could be a great choice for you. It gets the job done!

Origin: Andalusia, Spain

Harvest season: 2023/24

Best before date: 01/2026

Please note, all the product descriptions are only indicators for tasting the oils. When you choose olive oil always take into consideration your personal preferences, especially when it comes to bitterness and spiciness.