Putting Olives on the Table

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has been cultivated around the world for more than 6,000 years. Originating in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, it spread throughout Africa and eventually to the Americas and Australia. It is grown in 30 countries around the world, according to the International Olive Council (IOC). Its fruit is used primarily for producing olive oil but is also consumed as table olives. Of the approximately 10 million metric tons of olives produced every year, about …