This is a distinction awarded only to EVOOs that have repeatedly demonstrated their quality in some of the main national and international competitions.

At Almazaras de la Subbética we are celebrating! Parqueoliva Serie Oro has just added a new recognition to its track record. It has won one of the four ESAO Stars awarded in 2026.

It now joins a particularly select group, reserved for products that have repeatedly demonstrated their quality in some of the leading national and international competitions.

An ESAO Star does not depend solely on the result of a tasting or on the score obtained in a single competition. To achieve it, an EVOO must rank, during the same campaign, among the top three or among the five finalists in at least two of the three competitions considered benchmarks by the Escuela Superior del Aceite de Oliva (ESAO).

These three competitions are the ESAO Awards, organized by the school itself; the Mario Solinas Quality Award, organized by the International Olive Council; and the Alimentos de España Awards, granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The ESAO Star is therefore an accreditation of consistency. Achieving it means that an oil has not stood out on just one occasion, but has won over different juries and passed several evaluations within the same harvest.

This high level of demand explains why in 2026 only four oils achieved the distinction. Among them is Parqueoliva Serie Oro, included in the Official Guide of the Escuela Superior del Aceite de Oliva as an Andalusian EVOO covered by the Protected Designation of Origin Priego de Córdoba and made from Hojiblanca and Picuda olives.

Long-Term Prestige

Numerous competitions, awards, and recognitions are held in the world of extra virgin olive oil. However, not all of them assess the same aspects or are granted according to identical procedures. The particularity of the ESAO Stars lies in the fact that they take into account the results accumulated by each EVOO in different competitions.

In this way, the distinction focuses on those oils that maintain a high level when examined by different tasting panels. The ESAO Star offers an additional reference when it comes to distinguishing oils that have demonstrated consistent quality in the eyes of producers, distributors, and consumers.

In addition, the accreditation is valid for five years. Once that period has elapsed, the oil must enter the competitions again and once more meet the established requirements in order to retain it.

The Córdoba Subbética, Among the Great EVOO Regions

Parqueoliva Serie Oro’s inclusion in the list of ESAO Stars once again places the Córdoba Subbética among the benchmark regions in the production of extra virgin olive oil.

The area of the Priego de Córdoba Designation of Origin, marked by mountain olive groves and by the predominance of varieties such as Picuda and Hojiblanca, has built a solid reputation both inside and outside Spain over recent decades.

Thus, the distinction obtained by Parqueoliva Serie Oro not only recognizes the characteristics of a specific product. It also highlights the work carried out from the olive grove to the mill: from the selection of the olives, to the timing of the harvest, the speed of milling, and the control of production and storage conditions.

So don’t think twice and discover in our online store why our oils are awarded year after year by the most demanding experts in the world.

La entrada Parqueoliva Serie Oro Receives One of the Four ESAO Stars 2026 for the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

It is a labeling distinction that makes it easy to identify those EVOOs with more recognized cardiovascular and antioxidant benefits.

Identifying extra virgin olive oils with greater cardiovascular and antioxidant benefits is now easier than ever, and at Almazaras de la Subbética we know this very well. All you have to do is take a look at the product’s labeling to see whether it carries the new QvExtra! seal, a heart-shaped distinction recently presented by the association of the same name.

This symbol is based on the SIQEV certification system (International Quality Seal for Extra Virgin Olive Oil), developed by the organization, which ensures compliance with strict composition and quality standards.

The SIQEV heart distinguishes oils that exceed the minimum requirements set by European regulations. To obtain it, the product must meet especially rigorous criteria both in its composition and in its aroma and flavor qualities.

It therefore makes it easier for consumers to identify oils whose properties are presented in a legal, verifiable way and backed by scientific evidence, through information on the packaging that is more understandable, accurate, and reliable.

In addition, each SIQEV bottle is numbered and certified, guaranteeing the traceability of the product.

The Attributes of an EVOO with a Heart

The QvExtra! seal was created to highlight what is not always visible at first glance: the real quality inside each bottle.

This certification verifies that the oil has very low acidity, a high intensity of fruitiness, and no sensory defects. It is also subject to independent controls that verify that it maintains its properties and quality throughout its shelf life, up to the best-before date.

In addition, since 2014, the system has analyzed the presence of compounds of special nutritional interest. And it is thanks to their high content of vitamin E, natural polyphenols, and unsaturated fatty acids that SIQEV EVOOs can display this heart alongside the SIQEV seal itself.

Extra virgin olive oil is much more than a healthy fat.

One of its great values lies in its high content of monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, the main fatty acid in EVOO. This component can account for approximately between 65% and 83% of its composition, and is one

of the keys to its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Regular consumption, as part of a balanced diet, is associated with better heart protection and a reduction in so-called “bad cholesterol” or LDL.

But the richness of EVOO does not end there. Although they appear in smaller quantities, polyphenols are one of its great nutritional treasures. These natural compounds help protect cells against oxidative damage. They have also been linked to positive effects in preventing inflammatory processes, as well as lower exposure to factors associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases and certain types of cancer.

Polyphenols also play a very interesting role in intestinal balance. They act as natural prebiotics, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria for the microbiota and helping to keep harmful microorganisms under control. In other words, EVOO can also be a good ally for digestive wellbeing.

Another of the standout components of extra virgin olive oil is vitamin E, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. This vitamin helps protect the body’s cells and has been linked to better metabolic control, especially in relation to glucose and the risk of diabetes.

Two of Almazaras de la Subbética’s EVOOs already carry this distinction. They are Rincón de la Subbética and Parqueoliva Serie Oro. After all, we are one of the 36 producing companies that are part of the QvExtra Association, which manages more than 100,000 hectares of olive groves and produces, in total, more than 150 million kilos of extra virgin olive oil.

Visit our online store and discover why our oils are the best ally not only in your kitchen, but also for your health!

La entrada What Does the New QvExtra! Seal Mean for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Consumers? se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

Almazaras de la Subbética extra virgin olive oils turn any preparation into a dish worthy of a professional chef

Haute cuisine is not limited to complex dishes, sophisticated presentations, and complicated techniques designed to completely transform ingredients. Sometimes, it can take shape in something as simple, everyday, and popular as a sandwich.

That said, it is essential not only for the combination to be balanced and flavorful, but also for it to include top-quality ingredients, such as any of the EVOOs from Almazaras de la Subbética.

The recent collaboration between renowned chef Paco Roncero and Almazaras de la Subbética is based precisely on that idea: demonstrating that even a simple preparation can reach the level of haute cuisine when approached with knowledge, creativity, and absolute respect for the ingredients.

The sandwich is part of our culinary memory. From the very first bite, it takes us back to breakfasts, afternoon snacks, trips, or family gatherings. The sandwich created by the renowned chef does the same: bread, fresh tomato, extra virgin olive oil, and ham make up an apparently simple combination, but also one of the purest expressions of Spanish cuisine.

Precisely for that reason, reinterpreting it presents a challenge: bringing innovation without losing sight of its essence.

Paco Roncero has more than risen to that challenge and taken the sandwich to a new culinary level. But how did he do it? The chef played with its essential elements, modifying their textures and presentation while preserving the original flavor.

After all, the aim was not to disguise or distort a traditional recipe, but to approach it from another perspective and explore possibilities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The result is the perfect extra virgin olive oil sandwich, in which Parqueoliva Serie Oro plays a central role, offering the ideal balance between Picuda and Hojiblanca.

The Result of Tradition and Innovation

In this creation, EVOO acts as the unifying thread throughout the entire preparation, adding depth, aromatic intensity, balance, and richness.

This way of using olive oil shows just how far it can go in contemporary cuisine thanks to its versatility. It is not only useful for frying, dressing, or finishing a dish, but can also help create new textures, give personality to a preparation, and even produce surprising flavors.

Furthermore, this collaboration highlights a perfect balance between cutting-edge creativity and innovation, embodied by Paco Roncero, and the work of a cooperative deeply connected to the land, tradition, olive groves, and the constant pursuit of excellence.

A proposal that brings together tradition and innovation. Haute cuisine thus gives value to ingredients that are always present in our kitchens: bread, Iberian ham, tomato, and, of course, one of the best olive oils in the world.

There is no denying that innovation is born in the kitchen, but it is only possible when an exceptional product already exists.

In fact, Roncero has once again shown that a preparation belongs to the highest level of cuisine not only because of its format or presentation. Nor is it determined by appearance, but by the intention, technique, and care with which each ingredient is handled.

Ultimately, creating something extraordinary does not require moving away from the everyday. It is enough to look at it from another perspective and realize that a first-class gastronomic experience can be hidden between two slices of bread.

Which EVOO from our online store do you usually use to make your favorite sandwich?

La entrada Can Haute Cuisine Be Made with a Sandwich? se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the main ingredients in a balanced dietary model in which seasonal and locally sourced products predominate

The Mediterranean diet is not only a way of eating, but also a way of life. Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced products predominate in everyday life, along with simple recipes passed down from generation to generation, shared meals, long conversations around the table and respect for the land.

One of the main threads running through the Mediterranean diet is extra virgin olive oil, that treasure that springs from the earth and which we produce with generations of care at Almazaras de la Subbética.

The national and international scientific community has acknowledged and recognized the benefits of this dietary model, which is highly recommended due to the balance and variety of the ingredients it includes.

EVOO is much more than a common ingredient or dressing in our kitchens. It is one of the hallmarks of the Mediterranean diet and one of the most highly regarded fats in a healthy diet.

But that is not all. Adding it to different dishes makes it possible to bring flavour, aroma, texture and personality to the plate. It enhances the flavour of food, whether used hot or cold, thanks to its palatability—in other words, its ability to be especially pleasing to the palate.

The organoleptic attributes of olive oil certainly encourage its consumption raw. It is perfect for combining with all kinds of vegetables, pulses, meat or low-calorie fish, which are especially suitable for diets aimed at weight loss. Have you already tried them with our Parqueoliva Serie Oro?

And unlike other oils, because it is not refined but genuinely natural, it retains its full anti-inflammatory capacity.

An Ally at the Table

Without a doubt, extra virgin olive oil is one of the most complete foods in the Mediterranean diet. Its list of bioactive properties, which may be beneficial to health, is extensive.

To begin with, it is characterised by a high content of monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, which has a double bond in its structure, allowing it to remain liquid at room temperature. Consequently, its consumption helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and, as a result, mortality.

Likewise, it is a powerful ally in helping to reduce what is commonly known as bad cholesterol (LDL).

EVOO also contains polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

They also regulate the expression of genes associated with inflammation and help maintain a healthy gut microbiota, as polyphenols act as natural prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and help curb the spread of pathogens.

Vitamin E is another of the main components of extra virgin olive oil. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and there is a clear association with a lower risk of hyperglycaemia and diabetes.

A Perfect Recipe

In short, the Mediterranean diet is not understood as a collection of isolated foods, but as a complete dietary pattern. It includes vegetables, fruit, cereals, pulses, nuts, fish, dairy products, meat in moderation and, of course, EVOO as the main culinary fat.

Its value lies precisely in this balance: eating a wide variety of foods, enjoying natural flavours and recreating recipes that respect the ingredients.

At Almazaras de la Subbética, we understand this connection between health, flavour and the land. Choosing a good EVOO means choosing a natural, versatile product deeply connected to our gastronomic identity. It means choosing quality at every meal and rediscovering the value of authenticity. Because in the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is not an addition: it is one of its main pillars.

Almazaras de la Subbética represents this tradition with an eye to the future, producing EVOOs that bring together origin, innovation, sustainability and gastronomic pleasure. And you can find all of them in our online store!

La entrada Mediterranean Diet: The Role of EVOO in Healthy Eating se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

Protection in the form of a mask, wraparound sunglasses, breathable clothing, and a cap or hat is essential

At Almazaras de la Subbética we know well that working in the countryside when you’re allergic to pollen, dust, certain plants, or fungi can turn a normal workday into a real obstacle course.

The most common symptoms are sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, fatigue, and even difficulty breathing. These can worsen when exposure is daily and prolonged.

Therefore, to work better and more safely, it is essential to adopt small preventive routines that help minimize allergens.

Effective prevention begins with identifying the triggers and having appropriate medical treatment for symptoms, using antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, or inhalers.

However, not all allergies are the same, and not everyone reacts in the same way. Nor do all pollens appear at the same time of year. Specifically, it is during May and June when olive pollen, responsible for our magnificent EVOOs, reaches its highest levels.

Allergists also recommend having access to up-to-date information on the days when pollen concentrations will be higher, especially in areas with many dry, sunny, and even windy days.

In fact, ideally workers should check pollen levels before starting the day. During peak concentrations, whenever possible, it is advisable to schedule the most exposed tasks for less problematic hours. It is also effective to reduce the time spent in areas with dense vegetation.

Likewise, it’s best to avoid disturbing dry grass or stubble during pollen peaks and, of course, to increase protection on particularly windy days.

When choosing sunglasses, wraparound or protective models are best, with the aim of reducing pollen contact with the eyes, one of the most sensitive areas.

Wearing a mask can also greatly relieve symptoms, especially if you are carrying out tasks with high exposure to plant debris, dust, or pollen.

Clothing matters too. Ideally, wear long sleeves and breathable fabrics. It is also very helpful to protect yourself with a cap or hat, not only to avoid solar radiation but also to reduce pollen that sticks to hair and skin.

Prevention at Home

At the end of the workday during pollen season, it is crucial to change clothes as soon as possible, shower, and wash your hair to remove pollen residues. It’s best not to leave work clothes in bedrooms or rest areas and even to avoid drying laundry outdoors on these days, as pollen can stick to garments.

To prevent pollen and dust from entering the home, if you use a car or van to go to the countryside, you should keep the windows closed and keep the pollen filters in good condition.

In short, working in the countryside with allergies requires combining protection, planning, and consistency in routines and habits.

La entrada Working in the Field with Allergies: Key Day-to-Day Recommendations se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

Our packaging is designed to preserve the quality and organoleptic properties of EVOO, without giving up on beautiful designs with their own personality.

At Almazaras de la Subbética we know that a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s why we not only produce some of the best EVOOs in the world, but we also take great care—really great care—of the packaging of our products.

Our Rincón de la Subbética, the most awarded organic EVOO in the world, features Braille embossing on its bottle.

In addition, its labels have a varnish that prevents the label from being stained by oil. And it carries the QVEXTRA seal, just like Parqueoliva Serie Oro.

We definitely make unique oils with unique bottles. Great examples are those of Parqueoliva Serie Oro and Almaoliva Arbequino, with a custom mold that includes our logo embossed in relief.

It’s also worth highlighting the packaging of our Almazaras de la Subbética BIO whose bottle is tinted.

On the other hand, our tins feature a special inner coating: 100% free of Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical that has been used for decades to manufacture certain plastics and resins and for which there is an increasing number of studies on its harmful effects on the endocrine and reproductive systems.

In our drive to ensure our oil reaches the consumer in the best possible condition, we have designed custom-made boxes for each product that include separators for glass bottles.

Also, our jugs are not transparent—they are dark green to preserve the properties of the EVOO.

The Ideal Packaging

The perfect container for preserving extra virgin olive oil should not only look good, but also protect it to maintain its quality. Protect it from what? Heat, light, or contact with air—factors that can alter and degrade its organoleptic properties. Therefore, packaging should not be chosen solely for its appearance, but for its ability to preserve the product’s original characteristics, freshness, and quality.

When it comes to EVOO, experts agree that one of the most recommended options is dark glass, specifically in green, amber, or even black tones. What does this achieve? Reducing exposure to light.

Other opaque formats are also ideal, whether tins or bag-in-box, if greater protection against oxidation is desired.

When creating packaging, the closure is also decisive: it must not only be airtight, but also comfortable—meaning a system that makes pouring easier and minimizes air entering once opened.

It’s also very important to choose manageable formats. Normally, EVOO is sold in 500 or 750 milliliter bottles, unless it is intended for very frequent use. The reason is to ensure the oil preserves its qualities better if consumed within a reasonable timeframe.

Finally, the packaging should present information clearly and usefully for the consumer: origin, olive variety, oil category, harvest season, best-before date, and even storage recommendations.

In short, to be worthy of a great olive oil, it must protect the contents, be functional, be an example of informative transparency, and of course contribute to a carefully crafted presentation while safeguarding product quality.

All you have to do is take a look at the Almazaras de la Subbética online store to see our love for packaging that is both beautiful and efficient at preserving liquid gold.

La entrada Curiosities You May Not Know About Our Packaging se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

Frying, one of the most widely used techniques in professional kitchens, was the focus of the talk “The science and technique of good frying with EVOO”, promoted by Almazaras de la Subbética within the framework of Salón Gourmets, on the MAPA – Alimentos de España stage.

The session, led by chef Daniel García Peinado, known as the EVOO Chef, focused on debunking myths and providing a technical perspective based on scientific evidence. The message was clear: it’s not only the type of oil that matters, but how it is used in the kitchen.

“A frying oil is not evaluated by its flavor, but by its behavior under heat: its oxidative stability, its resistance to degradation, and its ability to keep levels of polar compounds low. That’s what guarantees consistent, safe, and profitable results in the kitchen,” the chef explained during his talk.

One of the key moments was the practical comparison between a croquette fried with an EVOO specially developed for gastronomy by Almazaras de la Subbética and a high-oleic oil. The subsequent tasting of the croquettes “allowed attendees to appreciate the differences in texture, flavor, and frying performance,” said Lucía Matas, Sales Manager for the Central, Northern, and Island regions at Almazaras de la Subbética.

The talk’s approach was supported by recent studies, such as a review published in 2022 in the scientific journal Trends in Food Science & Technology, which highlights the stability of extra virgin olive oil during cooking thanks to its high content of oleic acid and natural antioxidants.

About Almazaras de la Subbética

Almazaras de la Subbética is a cooperative located in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park (Córdoba), internationally recognized for the quality of its extra virgin olive oils. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, the organization has been awarded on numerous occasions in the sector’s leading competitions.

Recently, the Alimentos de España Awards 2025–2026 recognized the best EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) in the “Sweet Green Fruity” category as Parqueoliva Serie Oro. In the “Organic Production” category, the award went to Rincón de la Subbética. Almazaras de la Subbética is thus consolidated as one of the benchmark Spanish EVOO cooperatives worldwide.

La entrada Almazaras de la Subbética champions frying with EVOO through science and technique. se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

Almazaras de la Subbética packs combine some of the best EVOOs in the world with other artisan products such as potato chips, cheeses, chocolates, or vinegar

There’s only one mother, and yours deserves a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day! How about surprising her with a special gourmet treat you can enjoy as a family?

Giving Almazaras de la Subbética EVOO is much more than handing over a bottle of olive oil. It means placing a small treasure from the land in the hands of someone you love— a gift to be enjoyed every day that makes the everyday feel special.

There are definitely gifts that end up in a drawer, and others that are savored and create moments, sensations, and memories. A good extra virgin olive oil is the perfect companion for a calm breakfast, while you prepare family recipes, or in shared moments around the table.

What’s more, Almazaras de la Subbética EVOO is born in one of the most emblematic landscapes in southern Córdoba. It is the fruit of a way of living, feeling, and producing linked to care, excellence, and respect for origin. Each bottle speaks of work in the field, of identity, and of that Mediterranean culture that so many mothers have passed down at home from the kitchen.

It’s also a way to give not only flavor, but health as well—an invitation to take better care of yourself and enjoy the small daily pleasures.

The Perfect Gift, One Click Away

At Almazaras de la Subbética we’ve thought of everything and made it easy for you—take a look at our delicious packs and choose the one you like most! Any of them will leave your mother with a wonderful taste in her mouth.

Some of the best extra virgin olive oils in the world gathered in a single box. On their own or combined with other artisan products from the land—there’s no resisting this delicious declaration of love!

To turn her into an EVOO expert, you can start with our tasting pack with four mini-format gems. A carefully selected set of extra virgin oils to discover the excellence of the Subbética: Rincón de la Subbética, Parqueoliva Serie Oro, Almaoliva Arbequino, and Almazaras de la Subbética BIO.

The next step could be our Alma Gourmet Box, which contains three of our most awarded oils (Parqueoliva Serie Oro, Almazaras de la Subbética Bio, and Almaoliva Arbequino), vermouth, candied almonds, and quince paste.

But if you still feel your gift is missing something (or a lot), you can choose one of the five boxes that not only include our most iconic oils, but also products such as San Nicasio potato chips, Orgániko chocolate with EVOO, El Quijote quince paste, or our quince vinegar. With any of them, you can improvise a snack from start to finish with sweet and savory bites. The most complete of all? The Alma Gourmet Premium Box.

So take your time and get inspired by our online store, where you’re sure to find that special gift that will become an unforgettable surprise.

La entrada La guía definitiva para regalar el Día de la Madre se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

The Designation guarantees and recognizes the quality and origin of the oils produced in the geographical area it protects

Great news! The Almazaras de la Subbética family continues to grow with the launch of its first line of extra virgin olive oils certified by the Protected Designation of Origin Aceite de Lucena. After all, we are firm defenders of excellence, the land, and tradition!

Just take a look at our online store to find the first one, Almazaras de la Subbética PDO Lucena.

It is a great extra virgin olive oil from the Hojiblanca variety, historically present in the area. With a medium fruitiness and a very balanced profile, it is highly versatile and perfect for use across different temperature ranges. And the PDO Aceite de Lucena seal guarantees the quality and traceability of its area of origin.

Almazaras de la Subbética PDO Lucena stands out for its great aromatic elegance. On the palate it shows medium pungency, quite subtle, and medium bitterness that is at the same time very well balanced. It also adds hints of aromatic plants, vegetables, banana peel, and spices, with special prominence given to the characteristic aroma of mallow flower.

We have produced an EVOO that can be used across the full range of temperatures, whether for gourmet frying or raw use in professional kitchens for bread, pasta, pastries, and meals in general. In the same way, it enhances gourmet frying, sautéed bases, and is a magnificent choice for preparing dishes with fish, meat, and vegetables.

A Seal of Excellence

But do you know what it means for an EVOO to be protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)? Products with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) are those whose quality or characteristics are due to the geographical environment, with its natural and human factors, and whose production, processing, and preparation always take place in that delimited geographical area from which they take their name,” according to the Government of Spain.

Thus, the Protected Designation of Origin Aceite de Lucena guarantees and protects the production process, quality, and origin of the extra virgin olive oils from the geographical region it covers. This includes municipalities located south of the province of Córdoba: Aguilar de la Frontera, Benamejí, Encinas Reales, Iznájar, Lucena, Montilla, Monturque, Moriles, Puente Genil, and Rute.

The EVOOs protected by this Designation come from olives that have been harvested at the optimal moment of ripeness. The most common variety is Hojiblanca, also known as Lucentina. However, there is also room for other varieties, ranging from Picual to Arbequina, including Campanil.

Likewise, these oils have easily recognizable organoleptic attributes. They are characterized by peppery and bitter notes—though smooth, well balanced, and very pleasant on the palate.

On the nose, you can detect green notes reminiscent of freshly cut grass, apple, and ripe banana. Try it by tasting our latest release, available in several formats!

La entrada Almazaras de la Subbética Launches Its First EVOO Line Certified by the PDO Aceite de Lucena se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

Almazaras de la Subbética has been honored with the highest distinction an extra virgin olive oil can receive in Spain, after taking two first-place awards at the Alimentos de España Awards 2025–2026, granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The cooperative reaches this milestone in two standout categories:

First Prize – Sweet Green Fruity (Conventional Production)

First Prize – Organic EVOO

These awards consolidate Almazaras de la Subbética as a benchmark in the production of top-quality oils, highlighting its commitment to excellence in both traditional systems and organic production.

Considered the most important national distinction in the olive oil sector, this achievement reflects the joint effort of the entire chain: from those who work the land and harvest the olives, to those who enjoy and trust this product in their daily lives.

More than 7,800 families are part of this cooperative project, whose commitment to quality, innovation, and respect for the environment has positioned its oils among the most highly regarded internationally.

With these results, Almazaras de la Subbética reaffirms its leadership and continues to strengthen the prestige of Spanish extra virgin olive oil worldwide.

La entrada Almazaras de la Subbética Earns Double Recognition as Spain’s Best EVOO at the Alimentos de España Awards se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

EVOOs made from olives of the Arbequina, Hojiblanca and even Picual varieties are the best for confiting the potatoes and setting the tortilla

Juicy or well-set potato tortilla? With or without onion? These are the two questions that have historically hovered over the idea of the perfect Spanish tortilla. Most likely, there will never be a consensus.

There is also no certainty about the origin of this quintessentially Spanish dish. Some date its origin to 1817 and link its authorship to General Tomás de Zumalacárregui, the military man who devised it to feed his hungry army, suffering from scarce food supplies at the time.

But setting tastes and historical references aside, what you absolutely need to make a potato tortilla worthy of a Michelin star is a good extra virgin olive oil, like those from Almazaras de la Subbética. That said, choose a mild or medium-intensity, well-balanced EVOO so its flavor doesn’t overpower the potato, which should be Monalisa, Kennebeck, or Agria varieties.

And… a real chef’s trick! Don’t fry the potatoes—confit them in extra virgin olive oil. Unlike traditional frying, confiting means cooking them in EVOO at a low temperature—between 60º and 90º—without reaching a fry and without the oil bubbling. The result is a tender, silky potato that perfectly absorbs the EVOO’s organoleptic nuances.

So choose a great oil and get to work. You can start with Almazaras de la Subbética Gastronomy, known for its perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and pungency, making it suitable both for raw use and for hot preparations.

You can also enjoy one of our gems, Almazaras de la Subbética PDO Lucena, a great olive oil from the Hojiblanca variety, characteristic of the area, and highly versatile in the kitchen across different temperature ranges.

Likewise, Almazaras de la Subbética PDO Priego de Córdoba is a magnificent option both for raw use and for cooking. We make it from a balanced combination of Picuda, Picual, and Hojiblanca olives, making it an excellent ally for both gourmet frying and your everyday recipes.

Drop by our online store and find the perfect EVOO to make the potato tortilla of your life!

And if you still feel like showing off your chef skills, try a good homemade mayonnaise to accompany the tortilla and give it an extra touch of juiciness, or a light salmorejo to add freshness to the dish. Best of all? Besides being delicious, both preparations will let you add your favorite Almazaras de la Subbética oil.

La entrada With or Without Onion? The Real Secret to Tortilla Lies in the Oil se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.

“Dando la Vara”: a project that brings together creativity, inclusion, and roots

At Almazaras de la Subbética we believe our commitment goes far beyond producing extra virgin olive oil. It also means supporting initiatives that help improve our environment and create opportunities for the people who are part of our community.

That’s why we continue joining forces with Albasur, an association we have been collaborating with since 2004 and that carries out essential work in Priego de Córdoba, promoting the social and labor inclusion of people with disabilities.

As a result of this joint work, “Dando la Vara” was born: a very special tote bag that reflects the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and commitment shared by both organizations.

A Bag Full of Meaning

The bag’s design is made up of very colorful olive leaves, an element that connects directly with our roots and with the olive-grove landscape that defines our land.

But what makes this project truly unique is that each leaf was designed by a different person, turning the bag into a collective work in which each participant has left their own creative mark. In this way, the final result represents the diversity, talent, and excitement of everyone who took part in the process.

The slogan “Dando la Vara” also adds a playful nod closely tied to the world of olive growing, evoking both work in the countryside and the energy and perseverance needed to move forward with projects that generate a positive impact.

A Commitment That Goes Beyond EVOO

For Almazaras de la Subbética, collaborating with Albasur is a way to reaffirm our commitment to society and to the land we belong to. More than two decades of working together, since 2004, support a relationship based on trust, inclusion, and mutual support.

Projects like “Dando la Vara” show that when creativity, inclusion, and commitment come together, the result is much more than a simple product: it’s a shared story that highlights people’s talent and strengthens the bonds with our community.

We will continue working together to promote new initiatives that, like this one, remind us that the true value of our sector is also found in the people who make it possible.

La entrada Almazaras de la Subbética and Albasur: Over 20 Years Working Together for Inclusion se publicó primero en Almazaras de la Subbética | Tienda Online de AOVE Premiado.