Description: The azeitona de Conserva Negrinha de Freixo PDO is a fruit from the olive tree (Olea europeae sativa Hoffg Link) in the Negrinha variety.
Because of the excellent climate conditions, it can be grown without the use of pesticides.
These olives do not have the characteristics needs to produce oil but is an excellent preserved olive.
Production method: The olives are harvested handling, calibrated, sweetened and packed. Its process can be for three methods according their degree of ripeness:
- Green olives: these are unripe olives, prepared with a sodium hydroxide solution and preserved in brine;
- Treated black olives: these are nearly ripe olives (which are a green to violet black in color) and are treated with sodium hydroxide to eliminate bitterness and then conserved in brine;
- Ripe olives: these are violet coloured ripe olives in 8% to 10% brine.
Distinctive features: The Azeitona de Conserva Negrinha de Freixo PDO olive is a small fruit, which vary in colour according to the degree of ripeness, from yellowy green colour to a violet black. They are rounded in shape, slightly pointed at one end with a smooth skin. The stone is small and is easily removed from the flesh which consists of 83% of the fruit.
Production area: Azeitona de Conserva Negrinha de Freixo PDO olives are made in the municipal areas of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Torre de Moncorvo, Alfândega da Fé, Vila Flor, Mirandela and Macero de Cavaleiros, in the districts of Bragança and Guarda.
History: Is reported that in 1954 there was 251 694 Negrinha variety olive trees in the municipality of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, used for the production of preserved olives.
Its industrialization began at the end of 19th century with Brandão Gomes initiative, and Brazil was the main consumer market of these preserved olives.
Product specification (pdf)
Producer group
Adega Cooperativa de Freixo de Espada à Cinta
Control and certification body
TRADIÇÃO E QUALIDADE - Associação interprofissional para os produtores Agro-Alimentares Trás-os-Montes
Publication in EU official journal
Reg. (CE) n.º 1107/96 - L148 21.06.1996
Publication in the Portuguese official journal
Aviso n.º 2601/2005, de 10 de fevereiro
Aviso n.º 28/1994, de 03.02.1994
Aviso n.º 21543/2011, de 24 de outubro