John Myers
Olives are the stone fruits of the olive tree, which originally come from Asia. Nowadays, however, the olive tree also grows in Mediterranean countries, America, and on the east coast of Africa. The olive tree is a thorny shrub or tree and bears the roundish-oval black or green fruits, the olives. And the inner values? Read our article on the topic: “Are olives healthy?”.
Origin
The history of the olive tree and thus also that of the olives goes back to the Old Testament.
Season
Olives are harvested from October to January. However, olives are available all year round.
Taste
Green olives are crunchier and have a fresh aroma. Black olives, on the other hand, are often softer and have a slightly spicier taste.
Use
Raw olives taste bitter. They are pickled for preservation. There are various methods for this: e.g. B. in brine, balsamic brine, oil, or together with herbs. In addition, large quantities of the harvested olives are pressed into olive oil. Olives taste delicious in salads and classic dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. Our recipe for olive tapenade transforms the tangy fruits into a delicious spread or dip for meat and vegetable dishes.
Storage
Olives should be stored in a cool, dark place.
What are the benefits of eating olives?
Nutrition. Olives are rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of health conditions like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Are olives a fruit?
Olives are small fruits that grow on olive trees (Olea europaea). They belong to a group of fruit called drupes, or stone fruits, and are related to mangoes, cherries, peaches, almonds, and pistachios.
What do olives do to a woman?
Studies show that women who eat a Mediterranean diet have a significantly reduced risk of developing heart disease. One explanation may be that olives are low in cholesterol, which has been linked to heart disease.
Can you eat olives raw?
Olives are inedible before they are cured. Many people don’t know that olives are actually inedible when they are first picked. Raw olives straight from the tree contain oleuropein, an extremely bitter compound that makes olives completely unpalatable. This is why, for many years, olives weren’t eaten at all!
