8 Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Olives

14/08/2018

Olives and their curiosities — *In the south of Spain, they are called ‘aceitunas,’ while in the north, it is common to refer to them as ‘olivas.’*

Do you know how many varieties of olives exist? Why are they called olives? Which country is the leading producer? Here are some fascinating facts about this extraordinary fruit.

Olive or Aceituna?

Some people call them olives, while others prefer aceitunas, but both terms refer to the same fruit. The difference lies in the etymology. “Aceituna” comes from the Arabic الزيتونة (zaytūnah), whereas “olive” has Latin origins. Due to the strong Arab influence in southern Spain, the term “aceituna” remains widely used, while in the north, “olive” is more common.

A Prehistoric Superfood

Historians suggest that olive cultivation dates back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods (5,000–3,500 BC). By 3,000 BC, olives were already being cultivated commercially in Crete.

In the 1st century AD, the Spanish writer Columella documented various preparation methods for table olives, including brining, seasoning with fennel, and vinegar curing—techniques still in use today.

More Than 250 Olive Varieties

There are over 250 olive varieties worldwide, though the most popular for table consumption include Hojiblanca, Gordal, and Manzanilla. Today, Hojiblanca stands out as the most widely produced and exported variety for table olives.

A Flavor Powerhouse: 4-in-1

Olives are one of the few foods that contain all four basic taste sensations: bitter, sweet, salty, and acidic. This remarkable balance makes them an incredibly versatile ingredient that pairs well with almost any dish.

Size Matters: Olive Classification

Olives are classified by caliber, which refers to the number of fruits per kilogram. Some varieties can reach 420 olives per kilogram.

Want to know the size of your olives? Check the packaging. If it states caliber 180, that means there are 180 olives per kilogram, or about 18 olives per 100 grams.

The 'hojiblanca' variety ranks first in terms of kilos produced and exported for table olive consumption. — The ‘hojiblanca’ variety ranks first in terms of kilos produced and exported for table olive consumption.

Olives Won’t Make You Gain Weight

Not only are olives delicious, but they are also highly nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and contrary to popular belief, they are low in calories. A 100-gram serving contains just 150 calories, far less than other snacks (500 kcal per 100g).

It Takes 5 kg of Olives to Make 1 Liter of Olive Oil

Did you know that producing one liter of olive oil requires 5 kilograms of olives? This process ensures the highest quality and concentration of healthy fats.

Spain: The World Leader in Olive Production and Export

Spain is the world’s largest producer and exporter of table olives. In the 2017/2018 harvest, Spain produced 562,000 tons, with 79% coming from Andalusia, particularly Córdoba.

Spain accounts for 70% of the EU’s table olive production and 21% worldwide. Spanish olives are enjoyed in over 180 countries, with 190,000+ tons exported during the last campaign alone.