Olives

Olives are the fruit of the European olive tree, cultivated primarily in Mediterranean countries. They are among the oldest cultivated crops in human history. Fresh olives are extremely bitter due to their oleuropein content, so they are cured in brine or fermented before consumption. There are green (unripe) and black (ripe) olives, which differ in flavour and texture. In the kitchen, they are used as an ingredient in salads, on pizza, in pasta dishes, tapas, tapenade, or simply as a starter. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants.