Leucocarpa

Leucocarpa or leucolea is a traditional olive variety that's widely spread in southern Italy and a strong presence in Calabria. What makes this olive unique is the small size of its fruits which become ivory-white during ripening. The white color of these olives symbolizes purity, and in the past they were used for religious purposes.

As a result, Leucocarpa is usually grown near convents and churches. The extra-virgin olive oil made from this variety first receives a blessing, and it's then used for Catholic rites such as sacraments. In the past, the Leucocarpa olive oil was used to anoint the emperor during the ceremonial coronation.

This is the only olive variety which remains white at all stages of maturation, and the tree was introduced by Basilian monks from the Greek island of Kasos in the 6th century A.D.