Olive tree (Olea europaea) CORNICABRA

Cornicabra is one of the most famous Spanish varieties. After the Picual variety, it is the second most widespread. It originates from the Toledo area but is also widespread in other areas. Once processed and turned into oil, it is very fruity and aromatic with a subtle hint of apple. It is considered one of the healthiest varieties of olive oil in the world. Cornicabra oil belongs together with Picual olive oil to those containing the highest proportion of oleocanthal (it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects). Olives of the Cornicabra variety must be picked late because they hold very firmly on the tree. Cornicabra is known for the fact that it takes more effort to harvest it than other varieties of olives.

Growth: weak, the canopy is dense, the shoots grow upright. In adulthood, it can have either the character of a tree or a bush, it depends on the method of cutting. It can adapt to different types of climate and soil. It is well resistant to frost and drought
Flowering: Cornicabra is self-pollinating, but crops will be heavier with another variety nearby
Fruits: medium-sized, elongated and asymmetrical with a pointed top. Weight 4 to 6 g. The color of the fruit is wine-red when fully ripe. Ripe olives contain more than 19% oil. Cornicabra produces extra virgin oil with high stability and excellent organoleptic properties.
Ripening period: harvest takes place in October
Fertility: a moderately productive variety with an early onset of production from the 3rd year after planting
Resistance to diseases: sensitivity to any fungal disease or pest is not known in our conditions.
Resistance to frost: up to -16°C
Cultivation in the first few years: we usually cultivate young olive trees in pots or containers. Old trees are far more resilient than young ones. If the root freezes, the tree dies. A plus of 10 degrees is ideal for wintering in a cold house. This requires light. With too little light, the olive tree loses its leaves. Water little, do not fertilize, do not let the bales dry out, ventilate the cold house sufficiently. Strong plants that are at least 2 to 3 years old are planted outdoors. Sunny location on the southern wall is an ideal place for planting. It is protected from north winds and increases the chances of olives for wintering. Younger plants tolerate frost down to -10°, older ones down to -16°C.