A Bit About Olive Trees

Olive trees have a long history of cultivation. Rumor has it that man has been cultivating the olive tree for nearly 7000 years, but historical texts show that we can only confirm about 3000 years. The olive tree originated from the Mediterranean, most likely from the northern latitudes of Africa and was used extensively by both the Greeks and Romans. In fact the Greeks considered using olive oil as part of one’s hygiene, (hair / body wash), a proper way to good health.  The olive tree was first brought to the America’s in the 16^th century by the Europeans and was first planted in Central America and South America. The olive tree didn’t make it to North America, (California), until the 1700’s.

There fruit of the olive tree has two uses, that for juicing or what we know as olive oil and for eating. If you have plans to plant your own olive tree and harvest it for the oil, be aware that a typical olive tree will produce 3-4 pounds of olive oil annually. So be prepared to plant half a dozen or so trees if you want to be independent in olive oil.---(click here to read more)

Redgage Photo of the day------Cheetah

Enjoy!

Note: did you know that most black olives are black due to the addition of ferrous sulfate?