Jaén is the biggest producer of olive oil in the world. It makes most of the olive oil in Spain. The province is famous for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The most popular type is Picual, which has a strong taste and lasts a long time. Other types are Royal and Arbequina. Olive oil is very important in the culture of Jaén. There are festivals and events every year to celebrate it.

Some famous brands are Castillo de Canena and Oro Bailén. Also, these names, Sierra de Cazorla, Sierra Mágina, and Sierra de Segura, on the bottle mean the olive oil is real and very good quality.

This cold salad is a typical summer dish in Jaén. It uses olive oil as the main ingredient. Pipirrana has onion, tomato, olive oil, garlic, and green pepper. Some versions also include cucumber or tuna. It is usually made in a wooden bowl, which shows its simple and traditional style.

The name “pipirrana” may come from the Arabic word “pipirran”, which means pepper. This shows the Muslim influence in Andalusian food. The salad is very easy to make and can be changed in different ways, so it is a popular meal in summer.

Ochíos are small bread rolls made with olive oil and maracatu (paprika or spices). The dough is usually divided into eight parts. People often add toppings like chorizo or cod. Olive oil makes the bread soft and gives it a strong, tasty flavor.

You can also eat ochíos with mayonnaise, garlic, cheese, or fresh vegetables. They are great for vegetarian sandwiches too.