Verdale-de-l'Hérault (olive) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Verdale-de-l'Hérault |
|
|---|---|
| Olive (Olea europaea) | |
| Color of the ripe fruit | Black |
| Also called | Pourridale |
| Origin | France |
| Notable regions | Occitanie |
| Hazards | Verticillium dahliae and Spilocaea oleaginea (peacock or Pan Eye Disease) |
| Use | Oil and table |
| Growth form | Spreading |
| Leaf | Elliptic |
| Weight | Medium |
| Shape | Ovoid |
| Symmetry | Asymmetrical |
The Verdale-de-l'Hérault is a special type of olive tree. It was first grown in a part of southern France called Hérault, which is in the Occitanie region.
This olive tree produces a sweet oil. The oil has a light, fruity smell. You might notice hints of green plants, nuts, and apple. Best of all, it's not bitter at all!
Contents
What is a Verdale-de-l'Hérault Olive?
France has a way of recognizing different kinds of olive trees. They focus on specific "cultivars," which are like unique plant varieties. The Verdale-de-l'Hérault is one of these officially recognized types. It's also known by other names, like Verdale, Verdaou, and Pourridale.
Key Features of This Olive Tree
The Verdale-de-l'Hérault olive tree grows slowly. It is also quite good at handling cold weather and frost.
The Olives and Their Oil
The olives from this tree are large. They have an oval shape. Usually, you get about 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds) of olives to make 1 liter (about 0.26 gallons) of oil.
The leaves of the Verdale-de-l'Hérault are short and narrow. They look like a spearhead. The olives themselves are slightly uneven in shape. They are round at the top and flat at the bottom. The oil made from these olives is sweet. It has no bitter taste. Instead, it smells like green plants, hazelnuts, and apples.
Common Problems for Verdale-de-l'Hérault Olives
Like all plants, olive trees can face challenges. The Verdale-de-l'Hérault cultivar can get certain plant diseases.
Diseases Affecting Olive Trees
One issue is a plant disease called Olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS). This problem is linked to tiny bacteria called Xylella fastidiosa. Scientists first noticed this disease in 2013. It has been seen in Italy and other countries. A specific type of this bacteria was found in Corsica in 2015. Another type was found near Menton in France.
The Verdale-de-l'Hérault olive tree can also get two other diseases. One is caused by a fungus called Verticillium dahliae. The other is called Spilocaea oleaginea, which is also known as peacock or Pan Eye disease.
Other Uses for Verdale-de-l'Hérault
Besides making oil, the Verdale-de-l'Hérault olive tree has another important job. It helps other olive trees grow fruit. It is used to pollinate the Picholine olive tree. This means it helps the Picholine tree produce its olives.
