Description
The Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior PDO are olives of the Azeiteira, Conserva, Redondil and Carrasquenha varieties which predominate in this area and have their own specific characteristics. It must be noted that the olive trees here yield a high number of fruit but a low yield of oil so they are used particularly for conserves. The depth of the soil, the medium rainfall and the temperate climate of this region produce excellent table olives.
Production Area
Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior PDO olives are grown, processed and packed almost entirely in the municipal areas of Elvas and Campo Maior, in the Portalegre district.
Production Method
the olives are harvested by hand and put to soak to remove any acidity or bitterness. They are then washed four times in water and after 24 hours salt is added. For stuffed olives, the olives are stoned and then filled with peppers, capers or almonds.
Appearance and Flavour
Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior PDO are large olives and have a fine and shiny skin. The colour varies according to the degree of ripeness; for example green olives vary from pale green to a yellowy green in colour, while more ripe olives vary from dark green to black. The proportion of flesh to stone is greater than five; therefore they are ideal for stuffing and easy to stone.
History
Already in the 1950s Elvas and Campo Maior where considered the most developed areas of olive cultivation in Portugal, not only because of the number of table olive varieties grown here but also for the care and skill given to their cultivation. The history of this cultivation dates back to the beginning of the 1900s when some varieties were officially recorded that already existed in the Elvas area and are still being grown today (Conserva, Redondil and Carrasquenha).
Gastronomy
Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior PDO olives should be conserved in their liquid so that they do not oxidise or produce a patina. They are eaten as a starter or as an ingredient in many traditional Portuguese dishes, such as salada de tomate assado, in rojões, in bife de atum em cebolada and in bacalhau assado na bras.
Marketing
These olives are sold as Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior PDO - Azeitona Mista Retalhada com Ervas Aromáticas, Frasco de 200 gr in the following variations: Azeitona inteira (whole olives), Azeitona recheia com pimento (stuffed with red peppers), Azeitona recheia com alcaparra (stuffed with capers) and Azeitona recheia com amêndoa (stuffed with almonds). They are sold in glass jars of between 200 gr and 500 gr.
Distinctive Features
The soil where Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior PDO olives are grown is constantly cared for and ploughed. In the summer a traditional faca (knife), a kind of hoe measuring about 10 cm is often used.
