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| photo by Gary Barnes |
The Olive is a symbol of harmony and delicious abundance.
The olive tree, or Olea europaea as it is officially named, has been a staple of Mediterranean food and culture for millennia. Evergreen trees bear these tiny, round fruits, highly prized for their flavor and the oil they yield. There its long and illustrious history to the best practices for tending an olive tree in your own yard, there is so much to learn about olives.
An Overview of Olives' Past
As a sign of enlightenment, peace, and wealth, the olive tree has a long history of veneration. Ancient cultures relied heavily on olives, which originated in the Mediterranean basin, for their food, religion, and economic well-being. The Greeks called olive oil "liquid gold" because of its multipurpose usage in the kitchen, pharmacy, religious rituals, and personal care products.
The many olive varieties
Olives come in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and flavors, with hundreds of types to choose from. Some of the most common varieties include:
Often seen in salads, Kalamata olives are dark purple in color and have a smooth, meaty feel.
Green and crunchy, manzanilla olives are a favorite choice for eating at the table.
Arbequina olives are small and have a brownish-green hue; when pressed into oil, they have a delicate, buttery taste.
Flavor characteristics may vary from sweet to tangy to salty, depending on the type and the method of curing (brine, dry, or lye).
Olives and Their Health Benefits
Both olives and olive oil have anti-inflammatory, healthy-fat, and antioxidant qualities. Their abundance of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats makes them a beneficial choice for lowering LDL cholesterol. An additional benefit of eating olives is the fact that they are a beneficial source of calcium, iron, copper, and vitamin E.
Olive tree cultivation
If you have yard space, growing olive trees may be a satisfying hobby. Adapted to hot, dry summers and mild winters, olive trees flourish in climates similar to the Mediterranean because of their resilience and tolerance of drought. In order to cultivate olives, consider the following:
Olive trees thrive in full light and can withstand short periods of drought as long as the soil drains correctly. These plants do very well in zones 8–10.
The ideal soil for an olive tree is a sandy loamy soil that drains well is ideal for an olive tree. Add organic materials or sand to thick soils to
make them drain better.
Although olive trees can withstand periods of dryness, they still need consistent irrigation in the early years. Water thoroughly but sparingly to promote deep roots.
For optimal form retention and air circulation, prune olive trees in late winter or early spring. This encourages better fruit production and healthy development.
The best time to harvest olives is when they are green, purple, or black; however, this may vary per variety. The ripening process affects the flavor and oil content.
The Most Frequent Obstacles When Growing Olives
Olive trees need little in the way of upkeep, but they are vulnerable to diseases like olive knot and pests like olive fruit flies. Organic pest control measures and regular monitoring can effectively manage these problems. Also, be sure not to water your olive tree too much; wet roots are detrimental for the tree's health.
Olives are a kitchen must-have.
There are many ways to enjoy olives: eating them plain, sprinkling them over salads and pizzas, or even cooking with their oil. Sauteing, sprinkling salads, and using as a bread dip are just a few of the many uses for olive oil. Infusing olive oils with herbs and spices is a wonderful way to make your own flavored olive oils.
In conclusion
The olive is a cultural emblem representing peace and longevity in addition to being a tasty fruit. If you're into gardening or just want to learn more about the amazing history and usage of olives, then you should definitely add some to your garden and kitchen.