The Nice PDO for olive oil is a protected geographical indication that guarantees the quality and origin of the olive oil produced in the Nice region., in France.
History of olive oil in Provence
Olive oil has been produced in Provence since Antiquity, thanks to the presence of many olive trees in the area. Over the centuries, olive oil has been used for all sorts of things, from skin care to lamps to food. Today, olive oil is still widely used in Provençal cuisine, especially in the Nice area, where it is considered one of the basic ingredients of Nice cuisine.
Nice PDO quality criteria for olive oil
To get the’AOP de Nice for olive oil, producers must respect a certain number of very strict quality criteria. First of all, the olive oil must be produced from olives grown in the Nice region, and must be produced using traditional methods. Ensuite, olive oil must be cold pressed, which means that the temperature should not exceed 27 degrees Celsius during the pressing process. At last, olive oil must have a number of organoleptic characteristics, i.e. it should have a dark green color, a pleasant smell and a sweet, fruity flavor.
The advantages of Nice PDO for olive oil
The Nice PDO for olive oil offers many advantages to producers and consumers. First of all, it guarantees the quality of the olive oil produced in the region, ensuring it is produced using traditional methods and from quality olives. Ensuite, it promotes olive oil from Nice on the market, distinguishing it from other olive oils on the market. At last, it contributes to preserving the culinary heritage of the Nice region and to promoting local agriculture and the economy.
Geography of the Nice PDO olive oil terroir
Nice olive oil is produced in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in France, in the following municipalities :
- Chin
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
- Monaco
These municipalities are located along the coast, in the Nice region, and mainly produce olive oil of the cailletier variety, but other varieties can also be used. The olive oil produced in these municipalities is protected by the Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) of Nice, which guarantees its quality and origin.
Varieties of olives authorized for AOP Nice
The varieties of olives authorized for the Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) of Nice are the following :
- Cailletier
- Bouteillan
- Tench
The cailletier is the main variety used to produce Nice olive oil, but the other varieties mentioned can also be used as a complement. These varieties of olives are grown in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in France, in the municipalities of Menton, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Monaco.
The AOP de Nice guarantees the quality and origin of the olive oil produced in the region.. To obtain this designation, the oil must be produced from olives grown in the Alpes-Maritimes department and meet strict quality criteria. It must also be produced using traditional methods, like the cold pressing of olives, which preserves all the aromas and properties of the oil.