Nocellara del Belice facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nocellara del Belice |
|
|---|---|
Nocellara del Belice olives are picked when still bright green
|
|
| Olive (Olea europaea) | |
| Color of the ripe fruit | Green |
| Also called | Oliva Nocellara del Belice Castelvetrano |
| Origin | Italy |
| Notable regions | Sicily |
| Use | Oil and table |
Nocellara del Belice is a special type of olive that comes from the Valle del Belice area in south-western Sicily, Italy. It's a very useful olive because it can be used for two main things: making delicious olive oil and being eaten as a table olive.
Contents
What is Nocellara del Belice?
The Nocellara del Belice olive is a specific kind, or cultivar, of olive tree. It's famous for its large, bright green olives. These olives are often picked when they are still green, which helps give them their unique taste.
Where do they come from?
These olives are mostly grown in a specific region of Sicily, Italy. This area is called the Valle del Belice. The climate and soil there are perfect for growing these special olive trees.
How are they used?
Nocellara del Belice olives are known as a "dual-purpose" olive. This means they are great for two different uses:
- Olive Oil: They are pressed to make a high-quality olive oil called "Valle del Belìce" extra-virgin olive oil. To get this special name, at least 70% of the olives used must be Nocellara del Belice. This oil is known for its fresh and fruity flavor.
- Table Olives: They are also very popular as olives you can eat directly. They are prepared in different ways.
Castelvetrano Olives
One very popular way to prepare Nocellara del Belice table olives is named after the town of Castelvetrano in the Valle del Belice. These olives are often sold as Castelvetrano olives in places like the United States. They are large, green, and have a mild, buttery taste that many people love.
Special Protection
The Nocellara del Belice olive has special protection from the European Union. This protection is called a "Protected Designation of Origin" (DOP). It means that only olives grown and processed in the Valle del Belice area can use the names "Valle del Belìce DOP olive oil" and "Nocellara del Belice DOP table olives." This helps make sure the quality and origin of these products are protected.
Where else are they grown?
While Nocellara del Belice olives are mainly grown in Sicily, their popularity has spread. You can also find them being grown in other parts of the world, including India, Pakistan, and South Africa.
