Olive It Factual
Sunday
Olives were one of the world’s first domesticated crops, starting at least 6,000 years ago. There are over 1,000 varieties of olives, but only about 140 are regularly grown for human consumption.
Monday
The ancient Greeks were nuts about olives, which had practical and religious importance. The tree grew well in the Mediterranean climate, and Athenians believed the olive tree was a gift from Athena, their patron goddess. Like today, the Greeks grew most of their olives for oil, which was beloved at home and a profitable export. Beyond eating, Greeks also used the oil for hair care, skin care, perfumes, medicine, lamp fuel, religious rituals, general lubricant and even animal feed. Victorious Olympians wore an olive branch crown and that branch extended also became a symbol of peace.
Tuesday
On average, olive trees live between 300-600 years, but a 4,000 year old tree grows on the island of Crete, still producing olives. “Plato’s Olive Tree” which was situated where Plato’s Academy once stood in Athens was estimated to be 2,400 years old when it was hit by a bus and uprooted in 1975.
Wednesday
Being a symbol of peace, olive branches appear on many flags, including that of the United Nations, seven countries, four US states, and various global government offices and departments. It also adorns many coats of arms and seals.
Thursday
Olives are a fruit, but don’t eat one straight off the tree. A chemical called oleuropein makes fresh, raw olives so bitter that they are essentially inedible. Before they can be eaten, they must be cured to neutralize that bitter compound, often with salt, brine, or lye.
Friday
Olive oil is healthy for several reasons. Though most of its calories come from fat, Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid, the “good” kind, which has antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. Another olive oil component, polyphenols, also seem to fight cancer as well as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Saturday
With the great number of varieties out there, you might think green and black olives are wholly different breeds, but in fact they are just different levels of ripe. Green olives are young and often underripe olives, while darker olives like purple and black have been allowed to ripen on the tree before being picked, cured, and eaten.