Bella di Cerignola olives are a particular kind of olives cultivated in a small area of the province of Foggia, in Apulia region. This cultivation is largely active in the municipal territory of Cerignola, from which it takes its name. Here you can find its origin and its main characteristics.
Origin of Bella di Cerignola Olives
The cultivar, currently registered in Italian Olive oil register, is an ecotype derived from a mutation of the Oliva di Cerignola cultivar. Their cultivation of this multiclonal variety, widespread in the Tavoliere of Capitanata, dates back to the fifteenth century. They follow the introduction by the Aragonese of ecotypes from Spain, but according to other sources they might have an older origin: they could be a native variety derived from Orchites cultivated by the Romans. La Bella di Cerignola, obtained from the clonal selection of the mutant type, has stronger and efficient characteristics and considered improvements than the others. The influence of the pedoclimatic conditions on the merchandise properties of the final product, means that the olives obtained from the transformation of local production circumscribed to the area of origin and in compliance with the specific production regulations are protected by the PDO trademark “La Bella della Daunia”.
Characteristics of Bella di Cerignola
It is a plant of medium height and has a great vigor thanks it medium-thick foliage. Bella di Cerignola has also rising branches and pendulous fruiting branches. It is sensitive to caries and moths. For what about flowers, their production is very early. The flowering at the contrary is late and the little ones present a high percentage of abortion of the ovary. Fruit, from medium and alternating production, is characterized by a large size, firm and fibrous pulp, with a very high yield. The drupes, after being treated with soda and rinsed, are usually stored under brine. Finally the collection usually takes place after the middle od October.
