Description
The Gata-Hurdes PDO extra virgin olive oil is obtained from the Manzanilla Cacereña variety of Olea europaea L. olives.
Production Area
The production area of Gata-Hurdes PDO extra virgin olive oil is located in western Spain, in the province of Caceres, in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura.
Production Method
The olives are still today harvested manually and to aid this activity the trees are pruned low. The olives are harvested directly from the tree and must not come into contact with the ground. They must be transported hygienically and with care to guarantee the quality of the oil. They must be pressed within 12 hours of harvesting and after being checked and washed. The oil is then graded and stored, quality controlled and bottled.
Appearance and Flavour
Gata-Hurdes PDO extra virgin olive oil is very dense, it is golden yellow in colour and, depending on the time of the harvest, can have hints of green. It has a fruity aroma and a mildly spicy taste.
History
The production of Gata-Hurdes PDO extra virgin olive oil has a very ancient history. During archaeological excavations, remains relating to the production of olive oil and dating back to Roman times came to light. Today, four hundred years old olive trees are still growing there.
Gastronomy
Extra virgin olive oil is easily degradable and must be stored correctly to maintain its organoleptic qualities. It should therefore be kept in a cool, dark place at a temperature between 14 and 18°C, away from sources of heat and away from other foods which produce odours. It should be used within four to six months of pressing to enjoy its flavour at its best. Gata-Hurdes PDO extra virgin olive oil can be used as a condiment, but it can also be used in many recipes since it will enhance rather than mask the aroma and the flavour of the dish. Many dishes will be improved by the high quality of this olive oil. It is excellent as a condiment on both cooked vegetables and salads and on meat and fish dishes. It is excellent for frying as it has a delicate flavour and will not mask the flavour of the food.
Marketing
The product is sold as Gata-Hurdes PDO extra virgin olive oil. It is sold in glass bottles, tins or lined cardboard containers. It is advisable to use non-transparent containers to maintain the quality of the oil.
Distinctive Features
Gata-Hurdes PDO extra virgin olive oil owes some of its distinctive characteristics to the area where it is produced. This area, in fact, has a dry Mediterranean climate with just the right amount of rain and the soil is principally from granite rock with slate, sandstone and silica.
