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Olive Growing

Cultivar Choice

The choice of which varieties (or more correctly cultivars) to plant is determined by the following:

  1. the market demand for the specific product (for example olive oil or table olives), the type of processed products required (e.g. black or green table olives), and the suitability of the cultivar to these specific products;
  2. the adaptibility of the cultivar to a specific region, especially regarding production, resistance to pests diseases and possible frost;
  3. the cross pollination requirements of the cultivars;
  4. the ripening period and harvest season of the cultivars relative to other cultivars, other fruit kinds (where relevant) and other management practices;
  5. the availability of planting material.

The following range of cultivars have been shown by trial results as well as experience by the industry to be the best currently available.

Mission, the most popularly planted at the moment in South Africa and is widely adaptable. It is especially suited to black table olive production as well as for olive oil.

Kalamata, ideal as a black table olive, with a lower oil content than Mission. The tree is less adaptable than Mission and is difficult to propagate.

Manzanilla, is especially suited to green table olive production , has a low oil content and softens on ripening.

Barouni, only suited to green “Queen” table olive production because of its large fruit size and low oil content.

Frantoio, suited to the production of high quality olive oil and as a cross pollinator for the other cultivars.

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Field day CD (DVD format) incorporating presentations from the last and also previous field days as well as a number of photos of technical interest on sale.
CD's can now also be ordered with new information.
Cost: R150 for non members, R100 members
(postage incl. South Africa only) 
Contact The Secretariat at elouise@hortgro.co.za Choosing SA Olive Oil With ConfidenceOver the past few years olive oil has become a key ingredient in every kitchen and vital to the success of every meal.


For more information on the olive industry, click here.

SAO summary, click here.

SAO results, click here.

SA Olive Award Function 2009