Predominant variety - Minuta

In our farm the variety predominantly cultivated is the Minuta, while the varieties of recent introduction are the Biancolilla, the Nocellare del Belice, Ogliolara Messinese, these last kinds of olive tree don't have yet a relevant productions, so the olive oil that we commercialize comes exclusively form the Minuta. This variety of Calabrian's origins, it adapted nicely of the tyrrhenian coast of Messina between Piraino and Capo d'Orlando, where is known as Nasitana. The tree is very vigorous with a characteristic expanded bearing and the young branches are pendent. The leaves are small and large, of a lucent green color. The drupe is small and weights an average of 3 - 3.5 grams. The fructification is generally at cluster, egg-shaped rounded at the bottom, when fully ripen takes a coal black color. This variety is mainly used for the production of oil, but is characterized by a pronounced alternation of production certainly due to genetic factors. It gives about 15% of olive oil, low compared with others varieties, but surely of an excellent quality.