The Itrana Olive

The Itrana Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: a representative of central Italy
Itrana is the name of an olive cultivar indigenous to the province of Latina, also known as Olive of Gaeta, Grossa, Trana and Ciceronea. It is a vigorous variety whose fruits are used to produce table olives as well as extra-virgin olive oil. Itrana is the predominant cultivar in the production area of the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil of Colline Pontine DOP (PDO Protected Designation of Origin), totting up to 70% of the olive trees. The minimum amount of Itrana olives must amount to no less 50%. The Oil of Colline Pontine DOP may also contain Frantoio or Leccino up to 50% and other varieties in quantities not exceeding 10%. The olives used for the Colline Pontine Oil must be produced the area of the province of Latina. The olives must be compliant with the chemical, physical and sensorial requirements listed in the production guidelines. The production cannot exceed 100kg of olives per tree. All the operations must be carried out both manually and mechanically, provided that the olives are not left on the ground for a long period of time. Olive collection must occur by 31 January. The olives must be pressed by only physical or mechanical means, whereas any use of chemical, organic or mechanical adjuvants is strictly forbidden.

Chemical and organoleptic properties of the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil of Colline Pontine PDO
In compliance with the production guidelines, the total acidity of the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil of Colline Pontine PDO must be equal or inferior to 0.6g per 100g of oil, the number of peroxides equal or inferior to 12 meq O2/Kg and, finally, the oleic acid levels equal or superior to 72%. The considerable amount of oleic acid and, at the same time, the low content of phenolic compounds make the Colline Pontine oil a powerful nutraceutical.