| Olive is a common name of a Mediterranean | | | | pimientos or anchovies. However ripe olives, |
| evergreen tree having fragrant white flowers, | | | | usually turn purplish black, are richer in oil. The |
| usually lance-shaped leathery leaves, and edible | | | | bitter quality of green and ripe olives is removed |
| drupes. The Botanical name of olive is Oleaceae. | | | | by treating them with lye; this removes |
| Olives are classified in the Division Magnoliophyta - | | | | oleuropein, a naturally bitter carbohydrate from |
| Class Magnoliopsida - Order Scrophulariales - | | | | olives. Olives are then packed in brine and can be |
| Family Oleaceae. Oleaceae is a family of trees | | | | eaten. Fresh olives are required to go thru this |
| that grow in warm temperate climates and of the | | | | before they can be eaten. The wood of olive |
| Old World tropics, especially Asia and the East | | | | trees is hard and close-grained. Olive wood is |
| Indies. | | | | often used cabinetwork and furniture. |
| Olives or Olive trees were believed to be grown | | | | Olives are an important food and source of oil. |
| on the island of Crete in 3500 BC. Semitic peoples | | | | Olive trees are mainly grown primarily for olives |
| were growing olives as early as 3000 BC. Olives | | | | (fruits), olive oil. Olive oil is valued both for its |
| were also cultivated by the ancient Greeks and | | | | distinctive taste, fragrance, and dietary benefits. |
| Romans. The Greek mythology says that the | | | | My own favourite olives though come from Sicily |
| olive was Athena's gift to mankind, and Athens | | | | in Italy, grown with the incredibly furtile volcanic |
| was named in her honor for this gift. | | | | soil on the Etna. The olives are extra bit tasty and |
| Now, olive trees are grown in areas of Italy, | | | | juicy. |
| Australia, New Zealand, S Africa, Mexico, | | | | Several studies have revealed a number of health |
| California- Eastern Michigan Region and Maritime | | | | benefits of eating olives and olive oil. Olive leaves |
| parts of USA, Lebanon, and Northern Iran at the | | | | are used in several medicinal teas. Olive leaves |
| south end of the Caspian Sea. Olive family | | | | have been reported beneficial in strengthening the |
| (Oleaceae) comprises about 900 species in 24 | | | | immune system, increasing energy, having an |
| genera of woody plants and trees. | | | | internal cleansing action in body, acting as an |
| The fruit of the olive trees is also called "olive." | | | | anti-viral, vermifungal, anti-bacterial antioxidant, and |
| Olives are small ovoid edible fruits. Full grown, but | | | | lowering blood pressure, fats, and reducing blood |
| unripe olives picked for eating purposes. Green | | | | sugar. |
| unripe olives are often pitted and stuffed with | | | | |