The first samples have arrived to participate in the 42nd Oil Tasting Contest, an event that, despite celebrating its 31st edition within the Fira de l’Oli de Jesús, has established itself as a benchmark for the prestige and quality of the extra virgin olive oils presented. This contest, which began at the Fira Expo Ebre in Tortosa, is one of the oldest of its kind in Catalonia and provides significant international exposure for the winning oil.
Participants have until February 6 to submit two bottles of 50 cl or 75 cl per variety, along with the required registration documents. The promoters, the EMD de Jesús and the Organizing Committee of the Fira de l’Oli de Jesús, maintain the four usual categories: oils with Protected Designation of Origin from Baix Ebre, Montsià, and Terra Alta, extra virgin oils of any origin, organic extra virgin oils, and oils from private producers and own harvest.
“"After the harvest is when the extra virgin olive oil can give us a clear sample of its organoleptic characteristics, which are slightly lost with the passing of the weeks."
All samples will undergo a first selection phase on February 10 at the Tasting Room of the Cooperativa Soldebre in Tortosa. There, professional tasters will select the top three oils in each category. Subsequently, the finalists (excluding those from private production) will be evaluated by the Official Tasting Panel of Virgin Olive Oils of Catalonia, located in Reus, which will determine the overall winners.
The results will be made public on Thursday, February 19 at the Oil Interpretation Center of the Casa de l’Olivera at Cooperativa Soldebre. The awards ceremony will take place in May, during the Fira de l’Oli de Jesús. The absolute winner will receive trophies, distinctions, and will be entered into a top-level international competition.
