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Olive oil, often hailed as "Liquid Gold," stands out as the most nutritionally suitable fat for human consumption among the various fats and oils discovered to date. Consequently, olive oil has gradually become a staple on family dining tables. However, when discussing olive oil, many people instinctively think it's pressed from olives.
In reality, olive oil is directly cold-pressed from fresh olive fruits, and its full name should be "Oil Olive Oil." However, for the sake of simplicity, it is commonly referred to as "olive oil."
Difference between Oil Olives and Eating Olives
While the names Oil Olives and Eating Olives differ by only one word, they are not the same plant. The iconic olive branch and dove symbolizing peace actually represent oil olives. The olives suitable for snacking, with a "bitter and then sweet" taste, are the ones fit for consumption.
Strictly speaking, Eating Olives (scientific name: Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch.) belong to the olive tree plants in the olive family. Oil Olives, on the other hand, specifically Olive Trees (Olea europaea L.), are oilseed crops in the Olea genus of the Oleaceae family.
Although these biological differences might not hold much practical significance for everyone, their distinctions in daily life are notable in terms of origin, use, and consumption method.
- 1. Different Places of Origin:
Eating Olives, also known as green olives, originate from southeastern China, mainly found in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, and other regions, with white and black olives being the main varieties. On the other hand, Oil Olives are primarily concentrated in Mediterranean coastal countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and more recently, globally due to their high economic value.
- 2. Different Uses:
Eating Olives can be consumed directly, offering an initially astringent taste that turns refreshing upon chewing, aiding digestion. They are commonly processed into small snacks, such as candied olives. Oil Olives, in contrast, are typically pressed to produce olive oil, widely used as a cooking oil in daily life. Additionally, olive oil, due to its health benefits, is the primary raw material for various ointments, directly applicable to burns and scalds, making it an ideal sunscreen oil.
- 3. Different Consumption Methods:
Eating Olives are enjoyed directly, and various snacks, such as candied olives, are made from them. On the other hand, Oil Olives are usually pressed to extract oil, which serves as a cooking oil. Apart from its culinary uses, olive oil is utilized in making soaps, masks, shampoos, shower gels, and other skincare products.
In Conclusion:
The pits of edible olives, besides being edible, can also be used to make fruit wine. Additionally, due to their hard texture, they can be utilized for "olive carving.The oil from oil olives is widely used in pharmaceuticals, culinary arts, daily necessities, and other industries.
If you want to learn more about olive oil, you can read this blog: The Complete Guide to Olive Oil. If you're interested in how to choose an oil dispenser, you can also read: How to Choose the Perfect Oil Dispenser for Healthy Cooking, which provides a comprehensive overview of how to choose the right oil dispenser for yourself.
Post time: Dec-14-2023