The cultivar in ABITA's olive groves is Nocellara del Belice.

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Nocellara del Belice is a highly esteemed olive variety and stands as one of the traditional indigenous varieties of Sicily. Its presence on Sicilian land dates back many centuries, likely even to the times of Magna Graecia. This specific variety is notable for its excellence both in the production of extra virgin olive oil and its use as table olives, particularly due to its significant size. The Nocellara trees aren't particularly large but show remarkable adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions.

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The Nocellara tree exhibits moderate growth vigor, with a sprawling structure and a canopy that extends in a balanced manner. As the drupes mature, they gradually darken, tending to shift towards a purplish hue. These olives are distinctly round and symmetrical, marked by a small protrusion. They weigh over six grams, seldom dropping below four grams. Their surface is dotted with sizable lenticels, although not overwhelmingly so. The pit-to-flesh ratio is outstanding, with the flesh itself being notably firm.

These attributes make the Nocellara del Belice cultivar not just an excellent choice for direct consumption as a table olive but also a high-quality option for producing extra virgin olive oil.

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The oil derived from pressing these olives typically exhibits a deep green hue, with an acidity level consistently below 0.5%, even reaching below 0.3% at times. When appreciating its aroma, the ABITA extra virgin olive oil presents an olfactory bouquet with a moderately intense olive note, complemented by hints of almond, red tomato, freshly cut grass, artichoke, and occasionally, nuances of aromatic herbs.

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The flavor is marked by a gentle bitterness, a slight spicy touch, and an underlying sweetness.

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IGP Regulation

Organoleptic evaluation