ALSO KNOWN AS:
RUZZOLINO, MORINELLO, MORELLIN, ORIOLO MORELLINO
AREA OF ORIGIN:
TUSCANY and UMBRIA
DIFFUSION AREA:
Mediterranean area.
TREE:
This is a tree of medium-to-low vigor with branches having a rising, spreading habit. The crown is gathered and has leaves which are elliptical-lanceolate in shape, of medium dimension and gray-dark green color.
FRUIT:
The fruit is rather small (1.5 to 2 grams), rounded and spheroid in shape. Fully mature, it is purple-black in color, but at the correct picking time it is generally purple-green. Early production.
AGRONOMICAL CHARACTERS:
This variety has a relatively high and constant fruit production. It is self-sterile and requires specific pollinators, which are Pendolino and Maurino. It resists salty winds.
OIL CONTENT:
It’s on average between 17 and 20%, but can often be much higher. It has usually low acidity and high quantity of poliphenols. The oil is highly regarded, generally fruity with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
HARVEST TIME:
From mid of October to mid December in Italy.
OTHER CHARACTERS:
Moraiolo is considered a rustic variety, ideal for planting in hilly zones subject to winds. Because of the small size of its fruits together with its tightly attached peduncles this cultivar is not suitable for mechanical harvest. Sensitive to cold and peacock spot (Cycloconium oleaginum).
