Different Uses of Olives: The Ultimate Guide

When we think of the Mediterranean, we think of olives. With a rich history dating thousands of years, olives are an essential ingredient for cuisines worldwide, but their application is much more versatile, and they go up and beyond the kitchen table.

In this article, I’ll show you how olives can be used in the kitchen, from beauty products to much more.

Olives For Table Consumption

Picture this: a vibrant spread of olives adorning your dinner table, accompanied by aromatic herbs and spices, tempting you to indulge in their delightful flavors. The art of preparing olives for consumption involves several traditional methods that bring out the best in olives.

We will present to you the most traditional ways of bringing the best out of olives:

Brine–cured Olives

Brining is the most widely accepted method of bringing the best out of olives, enhancing the taste, and reducing the natural bitterness in olives. First things first, we needed to sort the olives, and then we placed them in a saltwater solution, also known as brine.

Some people like to leave olives just sitting in the saltwater solution, but we can also add herbs, spices, and zesty citrus peels, and we can play with all kinds of flavors to have a unique finished product. Over time, olives will lose the bitterness and become the lovely appetizer we all love and enjoy. These olives will be a hit at your next gathering!

Oil-cured Olives

Now, let’s shift focus to oil-cured olives. Another method of preparing olives is submerging them into oil without adding any water. As in a previous method, we can add all kinds of herbs, spices, and even red pepper flakes – this method is very popular in the Mediterranean region.

After a time, these olives lose their bitterness and wrinkle and are packed with flavors. They have a strong, meaty taste and are commonly used in pasta dishes, stews, and pizzas. Truly, this method takes olives to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Dry-cured Olives

This might be the oldest way of olive preparation. This is a simple method: leaving olives in a well-ventilated room. Natural winds and sunshine will help moisture evaporate, decreasing olives’ natural bitterness.

This gives olives an intense taste. In the culinary world, dry-cured olives are perfect for hearty dishes like couscous and roasted meat.

For Olive Oil Production

The most widely spread usage of olives is, of course, olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and renowned for its health benefits, which are extracted through a meticulous process.

No exploration of olives would be complete without delving into their prized liquid counterpart. Let’s dive into the fascinating process of olive oil production:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is everything you want in olive oil. It is the most sought-after grade of olive oil. The process of extracting oil is purely mechanical, without the usage of heat or chemicals.

Extra virgin olive oil boasts a distinct fruity flavor, vibrant green color, and a low acidity level. We don’t need to emphasize that Mediterranean olive oil is one of the best in the world. Its versatility in the kitchen is unmatched.

It is great for cooking, salad dressing, and finishing touches that make the dishes great. This oil retains the true essence of the olives.

There are several proven benefits to using extra virgin olive oil. Oil is rich in healthy monosaturated fats. They contain oleic oils that help in reducing the inflammatory process.

Some studies suggest that olive oil can prevent strokes and can also be protective against many heart issues and diseases. All the more reasons to use olive oil in your diet.

Using Olives For Making Beauty Products

Because of their nourishing properties, olives and olive oil are the foundation for many beauty products, such as soaps, creams, shampoos, and lotions. Prepare to be astonished as we uncover the beauty secrets of olive oil! Its nourishing and moisturizing properties have earned it a place of honor in the world of skincare and hair care:

Creams

These creams are very popular in the skincare niche because they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They are great for hydration and are a main ingredient in all of the anti-age creams. They are especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

Besides this, olive oil-based creams are good for inflammations, reducing redness caused by acne or psoriasis. The antioxidants in the cream can help reduce puffiness and swelling under the eyes.

Shampoos

Shampoos enriched with olive oil are very high-demand beauty products. They are known to be especially good as a hair moisturizer, it can help reduce split ends and promote natural hair growth. Hairdressers love olive oil products because the natural emollients in olive oil also reduce frizz, resulting in sleek and manageable locks.

Olive oil-based shampoos are good for people who have trouble with dandruff because they are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Lotions

Lotions that have olive oil are light and great for dry skin because they provide deep moisturization without leaving a greasy residue. These lotions are mainly considered daycare skin products because they maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness.

Olive oil lotions are highly beneficial for most skin types, but people who have sensitive skin and acne-prone skin should stay clear of these lotions because they are strong and rich. You can even use olive oil for body massage.

Soaps

The first thing you need to know about olive oil soaps is that their benefits have been known for centuries. They are gentle on the skin, cleansing without stripping away essential oils, making them ideal for sensitive skin types.

Other Olive Oil Based Products

Besides the culinary and beauty world, olives can be used in other creative and innovative ways, like olive leaf extracts and olive leaf tea.

Olive Leaf Extracts

It is a known fact that olive leaf extracts are packed with antioxidants and have huge benefits for health. They are good for the cardiovascular system and are known to boost your immune system.

Also, olive leaf extract can be used against the flu and shingles, against all kinds of urinary infections, and much more. Is there anything olives can’t do?

Olive Leaf Tea

Olive leaf tea is made from dried olive leaves, and it is known for its strong and earthy taste. The best feature is that it is caffeine-free and can be enjoyed by all. Olive leaf tea also has health benefits in lowering blood pressure and general for the cardiovascular system.

It is recommended for people with high cholesterol and people who have diabetes. Tea made from olive leaves fights yeast infections and viral infections, such as herpes.