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 flavour and health benefits.
Origins of Olive Oil
The cultivation of olive groves has a history that dates back to between 4,000 and 3,000 BC in some still unknown location in the eastern Mediterranean. Over the centuries, olive oil has become a fundamental pillar of the Mediterranean diet, being as essential as wine and bread. During the Roman Empire, Hispania established itself as one of the main producers of olive oil, reaching a production of 30 million vessels of oil, which cemented the reputation of Spanish oil, whose legacy lives on today.
In its early days, olive oil was considered a luxury, destined mainly for royalty and the upper classes. In fact, poets and philosophers called it "liquid gold", a term that is 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 properties. It is also 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 a superior quality. Its purity makes it a fundamental ingredient in various industries, from cosmetics to medicine, including perfumery and lighting. Extra virgin olive oil is the purest version, free of additives and chemical processes, which guarantees 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 "Castillo de Canena", a true example of quality and tradition.
The Quality of "Castillo de Canena"
"Castillo de Canena" is a brand that stands out for its exceptional quality and dedication to sustainability. Located in the heart of Jaén, in Spain's quintessential olive-growing region, the brand uses environmentally friendly cultivation techniques and a cold extraction process to preserve all the oil's organoleptic properties.
The brand has been perfecting the art of producing extra virgin olive oils for over 150 years, and its legacy lives on through its commitment to innovation and excellence. "Castillo de Canena" is a true benchmark in the world of olive oil, with products that stand out for their fruity, smooth and balanced flavour, making every 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 Castillo de Canena brand. With a strong tradition of excellence, this brand has earned its worldwide reputation thanks to its dedication to quality, innovation and sustainability. Each of their oils comes from olive groves located in the heart of Jaén, the most renowned olive oil producing region in the world. Below, we present our varieties, ideal for enhancing your dishes with the authentic and healthy flavor of EVOO.
Castillo de Canena Extra Virgin Olive Oil Varieties
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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 using raw: in salads, toast or as a finishing touch on meat or fish dishes. Ideal for those who enjoy an oil with character. -
Primer Royal Temprano
This oil is made from olives picked during the early harvest, when they are still green, which gives it a more intense and fresh flavour, with notes of freshly cut grass, banana and green apple. It is perfect for salads, carpaccios and for marinating fish. Its freshness makes it a delight in cold dishes. -
Reserva Familiar Arbequina
If you are looking for a softer and more delicate oil, the Arbequina variety is ideal. With soft notes of apple, banana and almond, this oil is perfect for raw use: in salads, on toast or even for preparing mayonnaise and sauces. Its balanced and delicate flavour makes it a staple in any kitchen. -
Organic Picual
This oil is produced from olives grown organically, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilisers. With an intense and fruity flavour, similar to that of the Picual variety, it stands out for its notes of fresh grass, tomato and almond. Ideal for those looking for an environmentally friendly oil without sacrificing flavor and quality. -
Duque de Medinaceli
The Duque de Medinaceli is one of the most exclusive oils from Castillo de Canena. This coupage (blend) of the Arbequina and Picual varieties offers a perfect balance between fruity, herbaceous notes and a spicy touch. It is ideal for use raw on meats, fish and grilled vegetables. An oil that cannot be missing from the kitchen of the most demanding palates. -
1st Day of Arbequina Harvest
Made with Arbequina olives collected on the first day of the harvest, this oil is distinguished by its unique and fresh flavour, with intense notes of fresh grass, green banana and apple. This is a delicate and fresh oil, perfect for salads, carpaccios and toasts. -
1st Picual Harvest
Similar to the previous one, this oil is made with Picual olives picked on the first day of the harvest, which gives it an intense and fruity flavour, with notes of freshly cut grass, tomato and almond. Perfect for raw uses or to give a finishing touch to meat or fish dishes. Its robust flavour makes it a versatile option in the kitchen.
Excellence in EVOO Production
The production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) at Castillo de Canena is characterized by a rigorous approach to quality and innovation. Each phase of the process is carefully controlled to ensure that every bottle that reaches your table meets the highest standards of excellence.
Production Process and Quality Control
The production process is key to ensuring 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 its authentic flavor.
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Quality control: Throughout the production process, rigorous quality analysis and testing 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 state-of-the-art equipment that reduces the 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 a commitment to sustainability.
justify;">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 help 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.
- Gourmet dishes: Use them to enhance the flavor of your pasta dishes, rice dishes, grilled vegetables or even in desserts for a unique and delicious touch.
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 its commitment to excellence and innovative approach to production, each bottle is a guarantee of a product of the highest quality.
Whether you prefer an intense and fruity oil like Picual, or a softer and more delicate oil like Arbequina, in our store you will find the perfect oil for your dishes. Discover the unique benefits and flavours of Castillo de Canena and bring the best of Andalusian tradition to your table!