Olive Picholine

Picholine Marocaine is the principal and most widespread olive variety in Morocco, cultivated across almost all olive-growing regions. Known for its dual-purpose use both table olives and oil production, it is appreciated for its high adaptability, rich oil content, and distinctive fruity flavor.
This traditional Moroccan cultivar represents the foundation of the country’s olive industry.

Type and Characteristics :

• Botanical name: Olea europaea L.
• Variety name: Picholine Marocaine
• Fruit type: Medium-sized, elongated with slightly pointed ends
• Color: Green turning to black when ripe
• Oil content: 18–22% (depending on growing conditions)
• Oil characteristics: Green-golden color, fruity flavor with light bitterness and a peppery finish
• Texture: Firm flesh, ideal for both green table olives and oil extraction
• Pollination: Self-fertile but yield improves with cross-pollination
• Ripening period: November to January

Region of Cultivation :

• Main regions: Fès-Meknès, Marrakech-Safi, Taounate, Taza, Beni Mellal-Khénifra, and Rif areas
• Altitude: Grows from plains up to 800–1,000 m above sea level
• Highly adaptable to diverse Moroccan agro-climatic zones

Soil Requirements :

• Prefers deep, well-drained loamy or sandy-loam soils
• Tolerates slightly calcareous and rocky soils
• Optimal pH : 6.0–8.0
• Avoids compact, poorly drained, or saline soils

Climate and Growing Conditions :

• Climate: Mediterranean to semi-arid
• Temperature tolerance: Resistant to drought and moderate frost
• Rainfall: 400–700 mm/year ideal; irrigation improves yield in drier zones
• Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure for optimal oil quality

Agronomic and Technical Features:

• Yield potential: 4–6 tons/ha (irrigated); 2–3 tons/ha (rainfed)
• Oil yield: 15–20% (depending on maturity and cultivation conditions)
• Adaptability: Excellent — grows well in diverse Moroccan soils and climates
• Pests/Diseases: Moderate resistance to olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) and peacock spot (Spilocaea oleaginea)

Picholine Marocaine is the flagship Moroccan olive variety, combining excellent oil quality, high adaptability, and dual-use versatility. Cultivated throughout the country, it thrives in well-drained soils and sunny Mediterranean climates, producing fruity, aromatic oil with distinctive Moroccan character. Its resilience and productivity make it the cornerstone of Morocco’s olive-growing tradition and a key contributor to its export market.