Olive Facts

The olive is a fruit, not a vegetable. Can be green, purple, dark brown, black, and even pink color. The Olive tree originates from the coast of Mediterranean sea and western Asia.

Olive tree can reach 8 – 15 meters (26 – 49 feet) in height. Crown is well branched and rounded in shape. Olive tree has oval-shaped, elongated leaves. They are leathery, grayish green on the upper side and whitish on the lower side.

Olive tree is evergreen and can live up to 2000 years. Today there are over 800 million olive trees planted worldwide. The average life of an olive tree is between 300 and 600 years. The one of oldest olive tree in the world is on the island of Crete. The tree is about 4,000 years old and is still producing fruit.

Olives are rich source of oils, minerals and vitamins A, E, K and B. Olive oil is rich in polyphenols – natural anti-oxidants, healthy monosaturated fats and oleic acid, such as Omega-6 and Omega-3. It helps to prevent coronary heart disease, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce ageing effect, strengthen the immune system, protect from the damaging effects of free-radicals and more.

Olive Trees at Kamagu Homestead