Description
The Azeites do Norte Alentejano PDO is an extra virgin olive oil made mechanically from the Galega variety of olive with the addition of a high proportion of the Blanqueta and Cobrançosa varieties.
Production Area
Azeites do Norte Alentejano PDO olive oil is made in the municipal areas of Mourão, Évora, Alandroal, Arronches, Avis, Borba, Campo Maior, Castelo de Vide, Crato, Estremoz, Elvas, Frontiera, Marvão, Monforte, Nisa, Redondo, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portalegre, Sousel and Vila Viçosa, in the western central areas of the districts of Évora and Portalegre.
Production Method
Only perfect olives are harvested and only when perfectly ripe. No olives whatsoever can be harvested from the ground. At the mill the olives are cleaned, washed and crushed. The whole milling process must only take 48 hours. The olives are crushed and centrifuged at a temperature that cannot exceed 35°C.
Appearance and Flavour
Azeites do Norte Alentejano PDO olive oil has low acidity, it is often fruity and has a golden yellow colour or green colour. It has a delicate perfume and taste and is pleasant on the palate.
History
It is said that even before Roman times and before the Visigoths, Azeite do Norte Alentejano was already being made and it flourished and was encouraged too during the Arab domination. The writer, Gama Barros, confirms that the important areas of oil production were the last to be reconquered by the Christians. In the Middle Ages olive oil was the most used condiment throughout the country.
Gastronomy
Olive oil must be kept away from sources of light and heat which would alter its properties. Azeites do Norte Alentejano PDO is used as a condiment and also in cooking, in the preparation of traditional dishes such as the soups (açorda, sopa de bacalhau and gaspacho, etc), in migas, in stockfish and game dishes as well as many traditional cake and dessert recipes.
Marketing
This olive oil is sold as Azeites do Norte Alentejano PDO. It is sold in distinctive clear glass bottles to maintain the high quality and properties of the oil.
Distinctive Features
There are close links between the cooking, the literature and the customs of the people in this region. The songs, sayings and proverbs of the past praise Azeites do Norte Alentejano PDO which is an integral part of the local traditions. A typical proverb says, "The best cooking is azeiteira" celebrating the importance of this product in the local cuisine.
