This cultivar, currently a member of the Schedario olivicolo Italiano (literally, the Italian olive catalogue), is an ecotype which derives from the mutation of the cultivar Oliva di Cerignola. This multiclonal variety is spread in the plain Tavoliere di Capitanata and allegedly dates back from the 15th century, after the introduction of Spanish ecotypes by the Aragonese; according to other sources, it is supposed to have older origins, being a native variety of the orchites, grown by the ancient Romans. Bella di Cerignola, which is obtained by the clonal selection of the mutant type, has commodity features that are more stable and ameliorative. The influence of pedoclimatic conditions on the tree’s commodity properties makes it possible for the olives (that are produced through the transformation of local production limited to the area of origin and by following production rules and regulations) to be safeguarded by the PDO certification “La Bella della Daunia”.
Medium-sized, quite vigorous tree with a quite dense foliage. It has an erect growth habit and pendulous, fruit-bearing branches. It is sensitive to rot and moth.