THE OLIVE OIL STORY IN SPAIN

Some unnamed countries have tried to claim that they are the world’s biggest olive producers, but no, it’s our beloved Spain.
Olive trees have been grown in the Mediterranean for thousands of years.
The ancient Greeks and Romans also valued olive oil for its many uses, including cooking, medicinal, cosmetic and lamp oil.
Franco once ‘encouraged’ the Spanish to cultivate olives and his government introduced many laws and regulations to support farmers, especially olive growers.
In 1952, for example, a law was passed that supported olive growing and oil production through tax breaks and incentives.
Agricultural schools were also set up to teach olive growing and other skills needed in the agricultural sector.
Thus, government policy encouraged Spaniards to grow more olives and promote olive oil production in the country. Spain produces around 40-50% of the world’s olive oil, most of which comes from the region of Andalusia, particularly the province of Jaén.

Green or black olive?

Green and black olives are fruits of the same tree variety, but they differ in terms of ripeness and flavour.
Green olives are picked from the tree slightly earlier than black olives, and are therefore slightly more acidic and have a more pungent flavour.
Black olives have been ripening longer on the tree and are therefore softer and sweeter in taste.
Green and black olives are often used in a variety of dishes, and their popularity depends partly on culture and region, and partly on personal taste preferences.

So why is olive oil so healthy?

It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, which can reduce LDL cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) and promote the growth of HDL cholesterol (or “good” cholesterol). Olive oil also contains many antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help fight cell damage and inflammation in the body. This can help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and the development of certain cancers. Olive oil may also help fight inflammation in the joints and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies have also found that olive oil has beneficial effects on skin health. While researching this history, I came across all sorts of stories about olive oil, including “Olive oil is the best sauce because it’s blessed by the morning god of the oil shop!” “King Philip II (I didn’t go into his history) is said to have ruled two kingdoms – Spain and the Olive Garden World. And if olive oil were a currency, Spain would be a real world empire!” Such a story, so let’s splash a little every day, ENJOY!