Bosana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bosana | |
|---|---|
 Bosana olives | |
| Olive (Olea europaea) | |
| Color of the ripe fruit | Black |
| Also called | Olia di Ozzu, Palma |
| Origin | Spain |
| Notable regions | Sardinia |
| Hazards | Peacock butterfly |
| Use | Oil and table |
| Oil content | High |
| Fertility | Self-sterile |
| Growth form | Spreading |
| Leaf | Elliptic-lanceolate |
| Weight | 2.5–3 g |
| Shape | Slightly ovoid |
| Symmetry | Symmetrical |
The Bosana is the most common cultivar of olives in Sardinia. It makes up over 50% of the olive production on the island.[1][2] The etymology of the name is uncertain, but it could refer to an alleged origin in the territory of Bosa. It is maintained, however, that the cultivar is of Spanish origin. It is used primarily for oil, but can also be eaten. The Bosana is a variety well adapted to less hospitable environments.[3]
The Bosana is particularly common in the olive-growing areas in the centre and north of Sardinia (Sassari, Nurra, Marghine, Planargia) and to a lesser degree also in central southern Sardinia, particularly in some districts of the province of Medio Campidano. This olive variety can also be found in Montenegro.[4]
Synonyms
It is generally accepted that other varieties of local extent are identical to the Bosana. Synonyms that are mentioned in the literature include: Palma, Aligaresa, Algherese, Tonda di Sassari, Sassarese, Olia de Ozzu, Olieddu, Sivigliana piccola and Bosinca. For the most part these are names identifying other varieties of limited range, that are local types of the Bosana.
Characteristics
It is a cultivar of middle strength, with an expansive growth form, plain, elliptic-lanceolate leaves, an open crown, and average size. The olives are of middle weight (2.5–3 g), slightly egg shaped and quite symmetrical, with the greater diameter towards the top. The apex of the stone is rounded and smooth. The surface is covered in tiny lenticels.[5]
The maturation process starts at the apex and advances from there. When mature, the colour of the fruit is black. It is a middle-to-late cultivar, in Medio Campidano it matures between November and December.
