Olea europaea (Olive Tree) – Iconic Mediterranean Evergreen, Long-Lived Fruit Bearer, and Sculptural Garden Accent Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is a long-lived evergreen beloved for its silvery foliage, gnarled trunk, and valuable fruit. Native to the Mediterranean Basin, this resilient tree has been cultivated for thousands of years for its olives and oil, as well as its ...
The olive is the type species for its genus, Olea, and lends its name to the Oleaceae plant family, which includes lilac, jasmine, forsythia, and ash. The olive fruit is classed botanically as a drupe, similar in structure and function to the cherry or peach. The term oil was originally synonymous with olive oil, the liquid fat derived from olives.
Olives are small fruit. They are very high in antioxidants and healthy fats. Here is detailed health and nutrition information on olives.
Olive, subtropical broad-leaved evergreen tree and its edible fruit. The olive fruit and its oil are key elements in the cuisine of the Mediterranean and are popular outside the region. Learn about the olive tree and about the commercial production of olives and olive oil.
Discover the health benefits of olives, their nutritional facts, and how they support heart health, digestion, and overall wellness.
What type of olive should you use for which purpose? Our guide to olives explains how curing and color affect taste—and then dives into the flavor profiles and best uses for popular types of olives, from buttery Castelvano and smoky Gaeta to fruity Kalamata and nutty Arbequina.
12 Popular Types of Olives and How to Use Them - Martha Stewart