EU grants Protected Designation of Origin to Espadán and Calderona olive oil

The European Union has added the olive oil produced in the Sierras Espadán and Calderona to its register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). The designation covers extra‑virgin and virgin olive oil made mainly from the native Espadán variety, with minor contributions from Villalonga, Canetera, Morruda and Arbequina, and applies to 28 municipalities across the provinces of Castellón and Valencia.

The PDO recognises the oil’s smooth, fruity profile with notes of green almond and fresh herb, a light peppery bite and a delicate bitter finish, which result from early‑harvest practices and traditional processing in the mountainous, rocky soils and Mediterranean climate of the area. With this registration, Spain now holds 399 EU‑recognised quality figures for its agri‑food products.

The designation also arrives as the natural park of Sierra de Espadán faces an ongoing wildfire, highlighting the region’s environmental value and the importance of preserving its agricultural heritage.