Olives are the fruit of the olive tree native to the Mediterranean, Asia and North Africa, but perfectly suited to the Southern California climate. Humans have been eating olives since the Bronze Age, around 6,000 years ago. Though raw olives are unpalatably bitter, curing and fermenting bring out the deliciously tart flavor that makes the iconic olive one of the most widely consumed foods on earth. High in vitamin E, anti-oxidants and other beneficial substances, olives have been linked to cancer prevention and reduced risk of osteoporosis. Research shows the Mediterranean diet, high in olive and olive oil consumption, is heart-healthy, cancer-fighting and adept at keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and weight at their proper levels. Olives figure prominently in many sacred texts, including the Bible. The olive itself is a symbol of prosperity, and the olive branch is an icon of peace and tolerance. Whether ancient or modern, humans have always recognized the special powers of the olive.
