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Picholine
Origin France
Purpose: Dual
The Tree
Picholine is of medium vigour with a spreading semi dense canopy. It comes into bearing early and is able to adapt to different environmental conditions. Under irrigation productivity is high and constant.
The Fruit
The most important French table olive variety as far as market share is concerned. Fruit shape is elongated and oval with no nipple, fruit size is similar to the Kalamata. The flesh to pit ratio is 4.8:1. The fruit is very evenly sized with low rejection rates when processed for the table. This fruit pickles best for green table fruit and has a free stone. Picholine will ripen mid to late season.
The Oil
Picholine gives a medium oil yield. The oil is superbly balanced and palatable fresh off the press without the overpowering bitterness associated with some oils before they settle. Picholine produces a top quality oil with a fruity character.
Agronomic Characteristics
Picholine produces heavy and consistent yields. In New Zealand it shows little sign of any bi-annual bearing. Responds well to irrigation, meaning that when water is applied the yield of fruit is significantly increased. The tree is cold tolerant and especially resistant to peacock spot. Picholine produces significant amounts of pollen, with high germination capacity and in Israel it is regarded as a good pollinator for Barnea.
Comments
Early production from this variety in Australia has produced some high quality, well-balanced and exciting oil.
