Frequently asked questions — Spanish olive oil
What makes Spanish olive oil different from Italian olive oil?
Spain and Italy both produce outstanding extra virgin olive oils at the highest level, and both are represented in the Flos Olei top rankings each year. The key differences lie in variety and approach. Spanish artisan producers — particularly in Andalusia — have focused intensely on early harvest Picual, producing oils with exceptionally high polyphenol counts, very low acidity, and extraordinary longevity. Italian producers offer greater variety across 500+ indigenous varieties and a stronger tradition of single-estate, single-variety "grand cru" oils. Both approaches produce world-class results — our range includes Frantoio Franci at 100/100 (Italian) and both Oro Bailen and Nobleza del Sur at 99/100 (Spanish).
What is Picual olive oil and why is it so highly regarded?
Picual is the most widely planted olive variety in the world, accounting for around 25% of global olive oil production. In the hands of artisan producers in Jaén, Andalusia, it produces oils of exceptional quality — characterised by very high polyphenol content (often 400–700 mg/kg in early harvest versions), very low free acidity, and extraordinary stability and shelf life. The intense, peppery, slightly bitter profile of a high-quality early harvest Picual is considered by many olive oil experts to be among the finest styles of extra virgin olive oil in the world. Nobleza del Sur Day Picual was ranked in the Evooleum World Top 10 in 2025.
What is the difference between Picual, Hojiblanca and Arbequina?
These are the three most important olive varieties in Andalusia, each with a distinct character. Picual is the boldest — high in polyphenols, intensely peppery and bitter, with excellent oxidative stability. It is the variety most associated with the health benefits of olive oil. Hojiblanca produces more balanced oils — medium intensity, with almond and apple notes alongside the characteristic bitterness and pepper. Arbequina is the mildest of the three — fruity, smooth and delicate, with lower bitterness and a more accessible profile. It is the best starting point for those new to premium Spanish olive oil.
What does early harvest mean for Spanish olive oil?
Early harvest refers to olives picked green, before full ripening — typically in October in Andalusia. At this stage the olive has the highest concentration of polyphenols, the most complex and intense flavour, and the lowest free acidity. The yield from early harvest olives is significantly lower than from fully ripe olives, which is why early harvest oils command a premium. Both Oro Bailen and Nobleza del Sur specialise in early harvest production and are cold extracted within a few hours to preserve maximum freshness and polyphenol content.
Who is Oro Bailen and why are they considered among the world's best?
Oro Bailen is a family-run olive oil mill in Bailén, Jaén, founded by the Gaforio family. They were named the world's best olive oil mill in 2025 and have consistently achieved scores of 98–99/100 in Flos Olei. Their approach combines early harvest picking, cold extraction below 21°C, and nitrogen blanketing of storage tanks to prevent oxidation — a level of technical precision more commonly associated with fine wine than olive oil. Their Great Taste Award winning Arbequina was one of the first Spanish olive oils to achieve recognition at the UK's most prestigious food awards.
Who is Nobleza del Sur and what makes their oils special?
Nobleza del Sur is an artisan producer in Andalusia specialising in certified organic early harvest olive oils. Their Day Picual was ranked in the Evooleum World Top 10 in 2025 — one of only ten oils in the world to achieve this distinction. They produce two complementary styles: Day (more intense made from the picual variety) and Night (a medium fruity oil made from a blend of the picual and arbequina varieties. Both are certified organic, cold-extracted, and achieve polyphenol levels among the highest in our entire range.
Where can I buy Oro Bailen olive oil in the UK?
The Artisan Olive Oil Company stocks the full UK range of Oro Bailen extra virgin olive oils, including Picual, Hojiblanca, Arbequina, and their organic Picual in both standard and gift box formats. All are available for UK delivery from our London warehouse, with free delivery on orders over £70 to mainland UK.
Is Spanish olive oil good for cooking?
Yes — and in fact the high polyphenol content and very low acidity of our Spanish oils makes them exceptionally stable at heat compared to cheaper supermarket olive oils. Picual in particular has one of the highest oxidative stability ratings of any olive oil variety, meaning it degrades more slowly when heated. That said, we recommend reserving your finest early harvest oils as finishing oils and using a more everyday oil for high-temperature cooking, as the subtle aromatic complexity of a top-quality oil is lost when cooked at high temperatures.
