If you love olive oil and want to learn olive oil fun facts, then keep reading. This post is for you!
One of the fun facts about olive oil you probably don’t know is that olive oil is a fruit juice. Yes, that’s right. It is pressed just like other fruits, like oranges and lemons, and it is best consumed freshly squeezed. So technically, when we eat olive oil, we are drinking olive juice! And not just any juice. Olives are the only fruit whose juice preserves its flavor and aroma, as well as vitamins A, E, D and K.
The interesting thing is that this juice must be stored properly to preserve its optimal flavor, which requires taking into consideration oil’s two biggest enemies: air and light. This explains why the best oils are always packaged in dark glass bottles or tins.
Wait a second! Then why do professional tasters drink oil out of a blue glass? This is done so they are not influenced by the color. Keep in mind that a magnificent green color does not guarantee that the oil is good.
Curiosities of the olive tree and its oil
The sacred tree of Greek mythology can live on average between 300 and 600 years, but did you know that Spain has thousand-year-old olive trees? This is possible because Spain has the most olive trees in the world. They are located in Granada, Tarragona, Valencia and Jaén. In fact, Jaén is home to the highest concentration of olive oil production in the world.
However, as far as thousand-year-old trees are concerned, the famous Olivo de Vouves located in a town on the island of Crete (Greece) comes to mind. Its exact age cannot be determined, but it is estimated to be around 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest olive trees in the world. Due to this fact, its small branches were used to make the crowns of the winners at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.
The best thing is that its longevity is no excuse: it still grows fruit, which is very much sought after. Will eating this fruit guarantee a long life, just like the tree? Who knows!
Another interesting fact about olive trees is that they were traditionally harvested by hand. Now, however, farmers rely on useful mechanical shakers that gather the olives from the trees.
Liquid gold
Speaking of juice and Greek mythology, have you ever wondered why extra virgin olive oil is referred to as “liquid gold?” You can read the answer here along with information about the oil you probably didn’t know about.
The elixir of eternal youth
A year ago, the actress and healthy lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow surprised her followers when she revealed one of her beauty secrets: a small glass of olive oil. This anti-aging trick is also a favorite of celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé.
The fun fact is that they view it as something mysterious, even though its beneficial properties have been known by our ancestors. Oil also has many benefits for the skin, lips and hair, and you can use it as an eye cream, an exfoliating scrub or even a mask. This tip could have been passed down by our grandmothers!
But if you prefer to take care of yourself from within, a generous portion of pasta with olive oil is enough!
