Olive Oils
In Spain, the word “oil” is almost synonymous with “olive oil”, which was also known in ancient times as liquid gold due to its high market value caused by the scarcity of supply. This word originates from the Arabic word “azzáyt”, which translates to “olive juice”. Olive oil is considered the basic ingredient that serves as the cornerstone of our famous Mediterranean diet.
At Bodegas de Andalucía, we offer an exclusive selection of extra virgin olive oils from the prestigious brand Castillo de Canena, a product that stands out for its quality and tradition. With a deep commitment to excellence, Castillo de Canena has been producing extra virgin olive oils for over 150 years, distinguished by their unique flavor and health benefits.
Origins of Olive Oil
The olive cultivation has a history dating back to between 4000 and 3000 BC somewhere still unknown in the eastern Mediterranean. Over the centuries, olive oil has become a fundamental pillar of the Mediterranean diet, as essential as wine and bread. During the Roman Empire, Hispania became one of the main producers of olive oil, reaching a production of 30 million jars of oil, which solidified the reputation of Spanish olive oil, a legacy that is still alive today.
In its early days, olive oil was considered a luxury, mainly intended for royalty and the upper classes. In fact, poets and philosophers referred to it as "liquid gold", a term still used to describe this treasure of nature.
What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality oil, obtained through a cold mechanical process, without the use of chemicals or heat. This ensures that the oil retains all its nutritional properties, such as a fruity flavor and an acidity of less than 0.8%, making it the purest and healthiest oil.
This type of oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, known for its heart-healthy benefits. Additionally, it is an excellent source of vitamin E and vitamin K, powerful antioxidants that protect the body from the effects of cellular aging and promote healthy skin.
Properties of Olive Oil
Olive oil is obtained directly from the fruit of the olive and not from the seed, which gives it superior quality. Its purity makes it a fundamental ingredient in various industries, from cosmetics to medicine, and even in perfume and lighting. Extra virgin olive oil is the purest version, free of additives and chemical processes, ensuring its high nutritional value and exquisite flavor.
For an oil to be considered extra virgin, it must meet strict quality standards. At Bodegas de Andalucía, we only offer oils that meet this distinction, such as the Castillo de Canena oil, a true example of quality and tradition.
The Quality of Castillo de Canena Oil
Castillo de Canena is a brand known for its exceptional quality and dedication to sustainability. Located in the heart of Jaén, the leading olive-growing region of Spain, the brand uses environmentally friendly cultivation techniques and a cold extraction process to preserve all the organoleptic properties of the oil.
The brand has spent over 150 years perfecting the art of producing extra virgin olive oils, and its legacy continues through its commitment to innovation and excellence. Castillo de Canena olive oil is a true benchmark in the world of olive oil, with products that stand out for their fruity, smooth, and balanced flavor, making each drop a unique experience.
At Bodegas de Andalucía, we are proud to offer you an exclusive selection of extra virgin olive oils from the prestigious brand Castillo de Canena. With a solid tradition of excellence, this brand has earned its global reputation thanks to its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Each of its oils comes from olive groves located in the heart of Jaén, the world-renowned olive oil-producing region. Below, we present our varieties, ideal for enhancing your dishes with the authentic and healthy flavor of extra virgin olive oil (AOVE).
Varieties of Castillo de Canena Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Reserva Familiar Picual :With an intense and fruity profile, this Picual oil stands out for its fresh notes of grass, tomato, and almond. Its robust and fruity flavor makes it the perfect option for raw use: in salads, toast, or as a finishing touch on meat or fish dishes. Ideal for those who enjoy an oil with character.
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Primer Royal Temprano
This oil is made from olives harvested during the early harvest, when they are still green, which gives it a more intense and fresh flavor, with notes of freshly cut grass, banana, and green apple. It’s perfect for salads, carpaccio, and for marinating fish. Its freshness makes it a delight in cold dishes. -
Reserva Familiar Arbequina
If you’re looking for a mild and delicate oil, the Arbequina variety is perfect. With soft notes of apple, banana, and almond, this oil is ideal for raw use: in salads, toast, or even for making mayonnaise and sauces. Its balanced and delicate flavor makes it a kitchen essential. -
Picual Organic
This oil is produced from olives grown organically, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. With an intense and fruity flavor, similar to the Picual variety, it stands out for its fresh grass, tomato, and almond notes. Ideal for those looking for an environmentally friendly oil without compromising on flavor and quality. -
Duque de Medinaceli
The Duque de Medinaceli is one of the more exclusive Castillo de Canena oils. This coupage (blend) of the Arbequina and Picual varieties offers a perfect balance of fruity, herbaceous notes, and a spicy finish. It’s ideal for raw use on meats, fish, and grilled vegetables. A must-have oil for the most discerning palates. -
1st Day of Harvest Arbequina
Made with Arbequina olives harvested on the first day of the harvest, this oil stands out for its unique and fresh flavor, with intense notes of fresh grass, green banana, and apple. It’s a delicate and fresh oil, perfect for salads, carpaccio, and toast. -
1st Harvest Picual
Similar to the previous one, this oil is made from Picual olives harvested on the first day of the harvest, giving it an intense and fruity flavor, with notes of freshly cut grass, tomato, and almond. Perfect for raw use or as a finishing touch on meat or fish dishes. Its robust flavor makes it a versatile option in the kitchen.
Excellence in AOVE Production
The production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (AOVE) is the result of a perfect combination of nature, tradition, and innovation. The meticulous care of the olive trees, along with the harvesting at the ideal moment, guarantees the exceptional quality of each drop of oil. At Bodegas de Andalucía, we are proud to offer you the best extra virgin olive oils from the prestigious Castillo de Canena brand, a true symbol of excellence in the world of olive oil.
Production process and quality control
The production process of Castillo de Canena oil is key to ensuring an EVOO of the highest quality. Here are some of the essential practices:
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Selective harvesting: The olives are harvested manually, choosing only the healthiest and ripest olives to ensure the best quality.
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Cold extraction: The oil is extracted at a low temperature, which preserves its nutritional properties and authentic flavor.
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Quality control: Throughout the production process, rigorous quality tests and analyses are carried out to ensure that the oil meets the highest standards of purity and flavor.
Innovation in production methods
Castillo de Canena has managed to stay at the forefront of EVOO production thanks to its focus on innovation and sustainability. Among its advances are:
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Advanced extraction technology: The use of new technologies allows for greater efficiency and quality in the extraction process, ensuring that the oil maintains its properties intact.
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Eco-friendly machinery: The brand uses cutting-edge equipment that reduces environmental impact during production.
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Continuous research: Castillo de Canena is dedicated to the research and development of new cultivation and production techniques that improve the quality of EVOO, always maintaining its commitment to Sustainability.
Benefits of extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world, and its health benefits are well known. Some of its main benefits include:
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Cardiovascular health: Rich in monounsaturated fats, it helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL), which promotes heart health.
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Anti-inflammatory properties: The polyphenols in olive oil have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases.
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Antioxidants: Vitamin E and polyphenols act as powerful antioxidants, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and contributing to aging healthy.
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Healthy digestion: Olive oil promotes digestion and can help prevent constipation thanks to its mild laxative properties.
Uses of Castillo de Canena extra virgin olive oil
Castillo de Canena extra virgin olive oils are incredibly versatile and adapt to a wide range of culinary preparations. Some suggestions include:
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Raw: Perfect for salads, toasts, carpaccios or to give a special touch to any cold dish.
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Hot cooking: Ideal for sautéing, frying at low temperature or even for roasting vegetables and meats, always preserving their properties and unmistakable flavor.
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Gourmet dishes: Use them to enhance the flavor of your pasta dishes, rice, grilled vegetables or even in desserts for a unique and delicious touch.
Why choose our olive oil?
It is without a doubt the most used ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. According to experts, choosing a good oil directly contributes to health by reducing LDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol. Lipoproteins become more resistant to oxidation, a process that, if allowed to develop, would cause coronary and vascular diseases as well as inflammation.
At Bodegas de Andalucía, we offer you a careful selection of the best extra virgin olive oils from Castillo de Canena, ideal for those looking for the best in flavor, quality and health. With their commitment to excellence and innovative approach to production, each bottle is a guarantee of a top-quality product.
Whether you prefer an intense and fruity oil like Picual, or a softer and more delicate oil like Arbequina, you will find the perfect oil for your dishes in our shop. Discover the unique benefits and flavours of Castillo de Canena oils and bring the best of Andalusian tradition to your table!