History of Olive Trees:
Olive trees are the oldest cultivated trees in the world and are considered as one of the most important fruit trees in driving the human civilization. According to most Archaeologists, the olive cultivation dates to 7000 years ago, but the remains of olive trees were found in Italy dating back to 20 Million years ago. Many historians have directly linked the advancement of olive cultivation with the development of past civilizations. Most of the olive trees are native to the regions of Syria, Iran, Syria, Palestine, Greece, and the rest of the Mediterranean basin. Archaeologists were surprised when discovered the remains of olives in the Egyptian tombs (2000 years BC). The health benefits of olives have been described in many religious scriptures and cultures. Nowadays, it is very common to see many varieties of olives coming from different regions with different taste and names. The gene mapping technique have concluded that feral olives trees were the first batch from which all the other olives are descended.
Health Benefits of Olives:
Olives are rich in vitamin E, copper, iron, Fiber, Fat, and calcium. They contain good quantity of oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid) which is heavily linked with numerous health benefits, such as reducing the inflammation and improving the cardiovascular functioning and fight against osteoporosis. Olives are also beneficial in fighting against the cancer cells.
Consumption of Olives in Saudi Arabia:
- In many regions, Olives are served as salads and are also used in sandwiches, pizzas, and tapenades.
- The average weight of olive is in between 3–5 grams and are eaten in both unripen (green color) and ripen form (Black color).
- In the Mediterranean region, approximately 90% of olives is used in the production of olive oil. Spain produces approximately, 56% of global olive oil production followed with Morocco 6.2%.
- In terms of consumption of olive oil, Greece ranks first with over 24 liters/person/year followed with Spain and Italy.
- The olive oil consumption in Saudi Arabia is equivalent to 43 thousand metric tons in 2018. Different varieties of olives and its oil are available in almost all the Grocery stores and supermarkets in Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia imports approximately 30,000 tons of olive oil and the consumption rate is gradually increasing every year.
- The local olive oil production in Saudi Arabia comes from the Al-Jowf region. The farm in this region is considered as the largest modern olive farm in the world.
