📜 Baena (olive oil)

Baena is an extra virgin olive oil with an EU protected designation of origin (PDO) from the south-east of the province of Córdoba in Andalusia. Its main variety is the old local Picudo, alongside Hojiblanca, Picual and others. Spain approved the denomination in 1988, and the name entered the EU register in 1996.

The varieties are Picudo (Carrasqueño de Córdoba), Lechín, Chorrúo, Pajarero, Hojiblanca and Picual; the EU documents set no minimum shares. The specification describes two types. Type A has acidity up to 0.4° and an intensely fruity aroma with a slight bitter-almond note. Type B is pleasant, sweetish and ripe-fruity. The colour ranges from greenish yellow to golden.

Only healthy fruit picked straight from the tree onto nets is used, and it is processed in registered mills within 48 hours at most; bottling also takes place only within the area. The area covers seven municipalities: Baena, Doña Mencía, Luque, Nueva Carteya, Zuheros, Castro del Río (since 2002) and Cabra (since 2007). The groves lie at 400–600 m on brown limestone soils and marls near the Guadajoz and Guadalmoral rivers; summers are dry, and 600–800 mm of rain falls a year. As early as the end of the 19th century, 86 oil mills were working here.

Why it matters to you. On the shelf, genuine Baena carries the regulatory council's numbered back label on every container, plus the EU PDO logo. Check which type is on the label: A is more pronounced, with a bitter note; B is softer and sweetish. And remember that the area is not just the town of Baena but seven municipalities.