Did You Know?
The olive tree is one of the oldest cultivated trees — some trees in Greece and Palestine are over 2,000 years old and still producing. It takes 4-5 kg of olives to make 1 liter of extra virgin olive oil. The Picual variety from Spain accounts for 20% of world olive oil production.
Overview
· Harvest November-January (olive pressing) · spices
Olive oil is the most iconic oil of Mediterranean cooking, pressed from olives. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality — cold-pressed with acidity under 0.8%. Its flavor ranges from mild to robust depending on olive variety and origin.
Origin
Harvest November-January
Season
Easy
Difficulty
spices
Category
Flavor Profile
Storage Tips
Store in dark glass bottle or tin away from heat and light. Use within 18-24 months of harvest. Once opened, use within 6 months. Never refrigerate — it solidifies. Keep cap tightly closed.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Olive Oil
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Use extra virgin for dressings, drizzling, and lower-heat cooking. Use light or pure olive oil for high-heat cooking. Never heat olive oil to smoking point — it produces harmful compounds. Finish pasta with a drizzle of EVOO for best flavor.
Best Pairings
GarlicLemonHerbsTomatoesVinegarZa'atarTahini
Substitutes
Avocado oil (similar smoke point, neutral flavor), grapeseed oil (light, neutral), canola oil (budget option)
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Olive Oil
Nutrition Highlights
per_100g
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Quick Facts
Categoryspices
Origin
SeasonHarvest November-January (olive pressing)
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. Rich in monounsaturated oleic acid and powerful antioxidants (oleocanthal, squalene). Reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, and may protect against type 2 diabetes. Has anti-inflammatory effects.
Olive Oil Photos
4 photos showcasing Olive Oil in its many forms
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Olive Oil
spices
Origin
SeasonHarvest November-January (olive pressing)
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
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Pairs Well With
GarlicLemonHerbsTomatoesVinegarZa'atarTahini
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