Olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence PDO
The Baux-de-Provence Valley is situated in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park in the Bouches-du-Rhône. This olive-growing region is home to four products with Protected Designation of Origin status (PDO): two olive oils with very distinct characteristics, ‘olives cassées’ and ‘olives noires’ from the Vallée des Baux-de-Provence PDO, which you can discover here.
What do Olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence PDO taste like?
The PDO olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence are made exclusively from the Grossane variety. They are large, short olives with a truncated base and abundant, flavourful flesh. These olives are whole and unflavoured. They exhibit one or more of the following aromas: truffle, porcini mushrooms, sourdough bread, gingerbread and red wine. A hint of bitterness may be present.
Physical characteristics
The Olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence PDO variety
The PDO olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence comes exclusively from the Grossane variety, which is one of the region’s ancient and traditional varieties. The Grossane variety is perfectly suited to limestone, stony and shallow soils, as well as to summer drought and wind. The climatic characteristics of the geographical area mean that the olives can be left to turn naturally black before harvesting (or, as they are known, ‘tournantes’). The traditional preparation of the olives – simply pricked and salted, or preserved in brine (after being pricked where necessary) following harvest – ensures that their specific organoleptic characteristics are preserved.
Harvesting Olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence PDO
The climatic characteristics of the geographical area mean that Grossane olives can be left to turn naturally black (or ‘ripe’) before being harvested. The traditional preparation of the olives – simply pricked and salted, or preserved in brine (after being pricked where necessary) following harvest – helps to preserve their specific flavour characteristics.
From November to December
By the numbers
How to cook with Olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence PDO
Ideal for aperitifs, the PDO olives noires de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence can be used in a wide range of savoury dishes, particularly those served with a sauce.
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