Olives – an ancient cultivated plant
The olive tree is a cultivated plant of almost inestimable value and is one of the oldest cultivated plants in existence. "The plant probably originates from Egypt, Syria or Palestine. It came to Anatolia and Greece by land around 2500 BC, perhaps much earlier, and to Crete by sea. It was then carried around the Mediterranean. To this day, olive trees shape the landscape, culture and cuisine of the entire Mediterranean region. Around 80 percent of the world's olive oil production still comes from there, although olive trees are now grown on all continents," writes author Irene Dalichow in the article "Olives" that appeared in the magazine YOGA AKTUELL. Olives were used to extract oil in ancient times, but the consumption of the oil fruits also played a role in earlier times. The olive and the olive tree are in many ways symbols of life itself. The olive is nutritious and, in addition to vitamins, minerals and trace elements, offers an excellent composition of essential fatty acids.
By the way, not all olives are created equal: There are a large number of different types of olives. However, the type has nothing to do with the difference between green and black olives, which is simply a result of the degree of ripeness (more on this below). In the ALLBIO range, we offer types of olives that are particularly suitable as snack olives.
Olives as a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine
As stated in the quote above, olives are cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region. According to an old custom, every olive tree used to have a name. This reflects how important and valuable olive trees have always been to people, so that they were treated with real reverence. Olive groves can also thrive on stony soil and in very dry periods. The long-lived olive trees cope well with the climatic conditions in the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean cuisine is strongly influenced by olives and olive oil, and so when people hear the term Mediterranean cuisine, they immediately think of olives and the wonderful oil made from them. The fact that Mediterranean cuisine is considered to be so particularly healthy is certainly partly due to the preferred use of olive oil. Olives contain natural antioxidants and the unsaturated fatty acids mentioned above are also beneficial to the body. There are entire books on the positive and health-promoting properties of olives and olive oil. The piquant aroma of olives is also an essential part of Mediterranean cuisine.
Green olives and black olives
Green olives are olives that are not fully ripe when harvested. Many people appreciate them because of their very firm flesh. Green olives have a little less fat than ripe black olives, which are fully ripe and have a slightly different taste. Both - green and black olives - can be a real delicacy. Depending on the dish, either the green or the riper olives may be better suited to the flavor.
organic Kalamata olives
Kalamata olives from the mountainous region of the southern Peloponnese in Greece are striking due to their purple to reddish-brown color. But what makes these olives stand out even more is their enormous size (they are almost twice as big as other olives). They are named after the port city of Kalamata, the ancient Pharaoh. Kalamata olives come from a specific type of tree. They are very aromatic. Our range includes organic Kalamata olives from Rapunzel, preserved in brine. The supplier recommends them particularly for casseroles, sauces and as a topping for pizzas.
Stuffed Organic Olives
The firmer green olives are ideal for stuffing. Large varieties in particular are often filled with clever little ingredients that replace the pit and offer a small culinary highlight. Whether pieces of pepper, dried tomatoes, sliced almonds, garlic cloves or even pieces of lemon - there are hardly any limits to your imagination. Organic olives can be enjoyed in new ways time and time again. In the ALLBIO range we currently offer stuffed organic olives with chilies, almonds and capers.
More organic olives from the ALLBIO range
In addition to the various stuffed organic olives, we also offer completely natural organic olives (pitted or with stones). Marinated in water with sea salt and lemon juice, they are a real treat - culinary highlights can be so simple!
For example, discover the delicious organic olives with the protected designation of origin “Bella di Cerignola” from the plateau of Apulia, supplied by the renowned organic producer LaSelva.
Organic olives – a versatile delicacy
Olives have a fine, spicy and often salty aroma that can be an enrichment for a wide variety of dishes. Whether sprinkled on pizza or as the finishing touch in a sauce, whether in a salad, in a vegetable pan or baked into ciabatta bread, whether to garnish cold platters or served as a snack on their own - olives always taste wonderful! Dishes from Italian cuisine, but also from Spanish, Greek, Croatian, Serbian and other cuisines often include olives. Delicious organic olives are a must on an antipasti table and enjoyed with good bread, perhaps with a few pieces of feta cheese and a juicy tomato, they quickly make a very "well-rounded" meal - what more do you need?
Tip: Discover our range of organic olive oil
Of course, olive oil is also part of the ALLBIO range! Various virgin olive oils of the best organic quality from different manufacturers can be found in our “Vinegar & Oils” section. Here, gourmets can look forward to exquisite organic olive oil, including fruity organic olive oil from Calabria, aromatic organic olive oil from Crete and other Greek olive oils, as well as particularly mild olive oils. It's worth taking a look and trying...
Sun-ripened organic olives – a delight from nature
Thanks to their long history as an important foodstuff and probably also thanks to the special fascination of the olive tree, olives represent a beneficial originality. These small oil fruits combine so much goodness in themselves - valuable nutrients and the pure power of the sun make them a powerful foodstuff that has ardent fans thanks to its aromatic taste and offers gourmets many opportunities to discover in its variety. Organic olives stay particularly close to the originality of the olive because they are of course proven to come from untreated olive trees.
We hope you enjoy many taste highlights with our delicious, sun-kissed organic olives.
