We are incredibly proud to share that our beloved extra virgin olive oil Saqura has been awarded as one of the best olive oils of the 2024 harvest from the Sierra de Segura.
On Friday, December 13, Saqura won a prestigious award during the Premio Ardilla 2025 (2025 harvest) – the regional olive oil competition organized by the Denominación de Origen (D.O.) Sierra de Segura.
What makes the Premio Ardilla so important?
The Premio Ardilla (or "Squirrel Awards") is presented annually to the very best extra virgin olive oils from the Sierra de Segura. This competition is known for its strict selection criteria and is organized by the D.O. Sierra de Segura, an organization that guarantees the origin and quality of the olive oil from this region.
The province of Jaén is known worldwide as the birthplace of olive oil. The region has three important D.O.s (Protected Designations of Origin, PDO):
- D.O. Sierra de Segura
- D.O. Sierra de Cazorla
- D.O. Sierra Mágina
Jaén produces no less than 20% of the world's olive oil and more than 40% of Spain's production. The combination of a Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and mountainous landscapes offers perfect conditions for growing olive trees.
Winning the Premio Ardilla means that Saqura is not only recognized as one of the best olive oils in the region but also forms part of the rich Spanish olive oil culture.
Why is Saqura one of the best olive oils?
The premium Saqura olive oil combines centuries-old traditions, the hard work of dedicated farmers in the Jaencoop/Olivar de Segura cooperative, selection of the best olives, and the expertise of olive oil mill SCA San Francisco. This collaboration ensures that Saqura stands out as one of the best Spanish olive oils due to its pure taste, best quality, and attention to detail at every step of the production process. The taste and quality are guaranteed by cold pressing the olives within 24 hours of picking.
Saqura is an extra virgin olive oil made from early harvested olives. Saqura is the name given by Arab culture to the Sierra de Segura region during its Golden Age. The olive oil comes from a traditional olive grove 75 to 100 years old, located in the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.
By pressing green olives, which provide the spectacular color, Saqura has a taste profile with an intensely fruity flavor, a fresh aroma of freshly cut grass, tomato plant, and almond, with hints of green apple. The taste is very intense and perfectly balanced, making it the most delicious olive oil from the Sierra de Segura region.
I personally find Saqura best for cold preparations, for example, with a piece of bread, over salads, or to garnish pasta.
Premio Ardilla
The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Sierra de Segura annually awards the Premio Ardilla to participating olive oil mills that achieve the best productions.
These awards were established with the primary goal of encouraging producers to deliver high-quality olive oil of the highest standard, and to reward institutions or individuals who have selflessly contributed to strengthening the reputation of the Denominación de Origen Sierra de Segura as a guarantor of quality.
Winning the Premio Ardilla is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. This award confirms that Saqura not only meets the strict requirements of the Denominación de Origen Sierra de Segura but even excels within the competition. If you are looking for the best olive oil, with Saqura, you can count on a product that represents the highest standard of Spanish olive oil.
Taste the quality of Saqura
Looking for the best Spanish olive oil? With Saqura, you bring home an award-winning olive oil that combines tradition, quality, and craftsmanship. Taste the passion of the Sierra de Segura!
