How Olive Oil Is Made

Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil that has been used for thousands of years. It comes from olives, the small fruits that grow on olive trees. Olive oil is very important in Mediterranean cooking, especially in countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain. Making olive oil is a simple process that has not changed much over the centuries.

How Olives Become Oil

Olives are harvested from trees in the fall when they are ripe. They are washed and then crushed into a thick paste. The paste is pressed or spun in a machine to separate the oil from the solids and water. The oil that comes out is filtered and bottled. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and comes from the first pressing of the olives.

Uses of Olive Oil

Olive oil is used in many ways in the kitchen. It is great for cooking vegetables and making salad dressings. Bread can be dipped in olive oil for a tasty snack. It is a key ingredient in Mediterranean dishes like pasta and pizza. Olive oil is also very healthy because it is full of good fats that help your heart.

Fun Facts

• Some olive trees are over 2,000 years old and still produce olives.
• It takes about 11 pounds of olives to make just one quart of olive oil.
• Spain produces about half of the world's olive oil.

Did You Know?

Ancient Greeks used olive oil not just for cooking but also as soap, lamp fuel, and even medicine!