Things you did not know about olives

Olives are the fruits of the south. Nothing connects us so much with the Mediterranean region, as the small round tasty greenlings. But basically we do not even know what is in this fruit and what it can do. Olives are true power fruits that keep us healthy and prevent many diseases. Not for nothing are Greeks, Spaniards and Italians relatively old. So we'll tell you a total of 10 things you probably did not know about olives yet.

1. OLIVES CAN BE EATED DIRECTLY FROM THE TREE

Basically, olives behave like many other fruits and are directly edible from the tree. But those who expect that they naturally taste as good as they are prepared, will be surprised. Fruits from the tree have a very firm pulp and a sharp, bitter taste. Anyone who has the chance to nibble an olive directly from the tree should definitely do so, but the usual taste is more likely to be obtained from the retailer of trust.

2. OLIVES CAN BE GREEN OR BLACK

Olives are only available in 2 colors: green or black. The difference lies in the maturity on the tree. Black olives stay on the olive tree for much longer and ripen much longer. Therefore, compared to green olives, they have softer pulp and a milder taste. Funfact: Black olives have more calories than green ones.

On average, the good olive trees are between 100 and 200 years old.

3. OLIVES MAKE HEALTHY

The small power fruits are true health-giving. They do not just contain unsaturated fatty acids. They are also rich in vitamin C & E, antioxidants and very digestible. Through these ingredients, olives protect our heart and balance out the blood lipid levels. This is proven to prevent many diseases and ensures a general well-being.

4. OLIVE TREES ARE UP TO 3,000 YEARS OLD

Anyone who thinks that 100 years and a gnarled bark speak for an old tree is mistaken - at least for olive trees. Olive trees become very, very old. On average, the trees are between 100 and 200 years old. Incidentally, the oldest olive tree stands on the Greek island of Crete and is said to be around 3,000 years old (there is no end in sight).

The secret of the old age of many olive trees lies in the roots. These reach into the earth up to 6 meters deep and can absorb water there. Thus, the trees are well prepared for hot and dry climates. In addition, olive trees deliver only about every 2 years from a harvest. Depending on the size of the tree, the fruits are sufficient for about 3 to 4 liters of processed olive oil. If you re-plant an olive tree, you also have to know that it only comes to fruition after 6-8 years.

5. EXPERTS DIFFERENCE IN OLIVES OF ABOUT 1,000 VARIETIES

In the world there are a total of about 1,000 different olive varieties, which are of course preferably at home in the Mediterranean. There is even a dark figure, because in countries like Greece, Italy and Spain, there are many villages and families that breed their own varieties and are therefore only available there in the region.

6. OLIVE OIL IS AN ALL-ROUNDER

Olives are universally applicable. Did you know, for example, that ...

Can olive oil be used in combination with lemons as an ideal, natural mosquito repellent?

Olive oil after sunbathing is a good care for the skin?

Olive oil is a great bath additive?

Olive oil can even be used as a massage oil?

1 tsp of oil helps the body to eliminate toxins? Just pull the oil through your teeth for a minute and then spit it out.

7. OLIVES MAY BE LONG-LASTING FOR SEVERAL YEARS

Pure, in brine, olives hold only a few days to 1 week in cool and dark storage in the refrigerator. This is because the influence of light, heat and oxygen causes the fatty acids in the olives to decompose more quickly over time. Olives are preserved in oil, they are open for several months and unopened even several years preserved. The oil simply preserves the fruits much better, which makes them last longer.

8. EXACTLY 7 OLIVES ON THE DAY ARE THE PERFECT QUANTITY

Well, have you ever thought about how many olives a day are actually healthy? We honestly do not, because once you start to nibble olives, they stop when the bowl is empty. Studies by nutrition experts say, however, that exactly 7 olives a day (per adult) are ideal.

9. OLIVES REMOVE PAIN AND INFLAMMATORY EFFECT

Once again, the small power fruit surprised us again, because freshly pressed, olives should have a similar effect as painkillers. They are supposed to activate an enzyme in the body that inhibits inflammation.

10. OLIVES CAN BE UTILIZED FOR GREAT RECIPES

Always just pure olives or enjoy as oil is boring in the long run. If you would like to try something different than antipasti, we have tried the Tapenade (see our recipe) and an Olivebread (soon online)

Pucce Salentino con olive (soon online)