Blogging from A to Z Challenge
for 2013.
Today's post is about the olive, valued since ancient times for its fruit, oil and wood. Olive trees thrive around the Mediterranean, as well as other arid regions of the world.
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| The Olive Fruit, or Drupe |
Some olive trees are reputed to be thousands of years old. This tree at the Pont du Gard in France is a mere youngster at 100.
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| Olive Tree at the Pont du Gard |
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| Potted Olive Tree, Uzès |
A simple olive press, like this one on a farm in Tuscany, can be used to extract the oil.
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| Olive Press, Tuscany |
Modern machinery is used for large scale production.
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| Olive Oil Production in Provence |
Olives cannot be eaten directly from the tree. They must be fermented, cured and/or marinated with a variety of flavourings to become edible.
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| Olives at the Cours Saleya Market, Nice |
The fruit can also be prepared as a tasty spread, or tapenade, made of chopped olives, capers, olive oil and flavourings.
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| Tasting of Tapenades in Provence |
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| Olives at Dinner in Tuscany |
The olive has been a welcome addition to tables around the world for centuries. As a topping on a pizza, added to a dry martini, or oil drizzled on a salad – what is your favourite way to eat an olive?
Next: "P" is for Princess
Oh how I love Olive oil, and it is the only oil I use for cooking, topping...have to watch out for flash point though...some for frying, others are not...says on the labels. All of my olive oils come from Italy. I do not buy California oils...too many chemicals used in our fields. www.sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI bought some olive oil at the Mercato Centrale in Florence a couple of years ago - a tasty souvenir!
DeleteThis is the second olive post I've seen today. I did not know that you can't or shouldn't eat an olive from tree, because I would try.
ReplyDeleteI've heard they're very bitter.
DeleteOlives are one of my favorite foods. I use olive oil almost exclusively, and I have a few with lunch almost every day. Sometimes olives ARE lunch, along with a tomato and other veggies or cheese. We nearly always have a jar of the garlic and jalapeno stuffed olives from Costco.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from A-Z. Great to meet you.
And they're so good for you. I like dipping bread into olive oil with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteOlive oil is becoming really popular in India for cooking !
ReplyDeleteYour comment got me curious, so I had to Google it - sounds like olive trees are now being introduced in India.
Deleteas Spaniard, olive oil is almost like water ;) my grandfather always prepared my breakfast: he toasted some bread and put some olive oil and marmalade, fresh orange juice and a glass of milk, uhmmm!
ReplyDeleteShere
www.shereypaul.com
What a healthy start to the day!
ReplyDelete