Approximately 4 or 5 km from Barbastro on the HU V-3532 road there is a field of noble olive trees of the verdeña variety, which are still productive. Their huge trunks hint at their age, most are over 100 years old, highlighting a proud history of cultivation.
Verdeña is the most common variety in the Alto Aragon region and in Somontano accounts for 4,000 hectares of cultivated olive grove representing around 50% of the total. The green hue of the tree gives it its name (verde meaning green) and differentiates it from other varieties in the area. Centennial trees with huge, gnarled trunks give an indication of the history of olive cultivation in these parts.
The tree has an open appearance with foliage of medium density, is very resistant to cold and grows well in unirrigated soil. It also stands up well to being beaten with poles as one of the traditional methods for harvesting the olives.
The olives ripen late and acquire a uniform violet colour not quite reaching black. The small brownish markings on the skin distinguish it from other types of olives. Although very temperamental in terms of yield (one year can be good and the next poor) as with many olive varieties, it is very productive.
The oil of the verdeña variety is aromatic and harmonious with great stability and presents a glorious shade of green.
