Introduction :
The food in question is olives: small, oval-shaped fruits, which grew on the olive tree, also referred to as Olea . European, originating in the Mediterranean countries that are now widespread all over the world.
They are well recognized by their unpleasant, bitter taste. When consumed uncooked and most commonly passed through a curing or fermenting process. Olives belong to the dietary group of foods . That are rich in monounsaturated fats which are an important part of Mediterranean diet.
They are consume in a variety of ways as nuts as well, in salads, as garnishes or even made into olive oil. Which is one of the most healthy oils to use while cooking. Olives are green, yellow, brown and purple in color depending on the stage of maturation and the type of olive.
Origen :
Olives (Olea European) are believe to have originate from Mediterranean region with emphasis to Asia minor, or parts of Turkey, Greece, Syria and Palestine. Olive tree has been for centuries use by man and according to experts, domesticated as early as 3000-2000 B.C. Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians practiced the olive tree and the oil as vital, as it was in cooking and in lighting or healing remedies.
Verities :
There are hundreds of olive types available that have different attributes . That can be categories in terms of usage; these include table olives and olive oil olives. Among the mass market brands, Manzanilla is one of the most famous. Which is small, green Spanish olive that is usually consumed as fruit.
Arbequina is small, reddish-brown Spanish olive with mild-flavored olive oil. Kalamata olives originate from Greece and are large dark purple with a fruity taste . They are use in Mediterranean foods such as Greek salad. olives, from Spain, have bitter, strong and spicy oil and hence they are normally use for producing oil.
Fraction or Taggiasca is Italian olive fine varieties with fruity olive oil and nutty table olive. Picoline of France is tangy and firm often eaten as appetizer. With such a great variety, olives are both multifunctional and have specific taste profiles in a number of cuisines from around the globe.
Nutrition value of olives:
Olives are highly nutritious food products and they have several nutritional benefits . Which makes them sometime valuable food products in human diet. They are also high in what is known as good fats, monounsaturated fats such as oleic acid . Which is beneficial for the hearts as they decrease inflammation and cholesterol.
Raw olives can chewed in their natural state – a 100-gram serving contains about 115 calories and 10.7 grams of fat; mostly monounsaturated. Olives also provide the consumer’s body with fiber [3.2gm/30g] essential for digestion as well as a small amount of other important vitamins. Including vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and vitamin K essential for blood coagulation. As for the minerals, it all right for the calcium, iron and magnesium.
Which all have benefits for bones and muscles. Besides being low in sugar and carbohydrates, olives contain some sodium when cured, thus should be taken sparingly. This flavonoid content, polyphenols in particular, assists in shielding the tissues from oxidative damage. Perhaps lowering an individual’s risk of chronic illnesses. In general, olives are healthy, rich indeed in essential nutrients and perfect for enhancing taste of different foods as the snack.
Characteristics of olives:
Olives are small, oval shaped drupes which are green when harvested, and matures from yellow, purple to black. They are dry and hard vegetables with a slight bitterness. Which is why they are cook by curing or fermentation in order to eat them.
They are also use in cooking as a snack, in salads or incorporated as main intrinsic ingredients in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Known for their high content of health benefiting fats, specifically monounsaturated oils .
Olives contains antioxidant compounds, vitamins and minerals. Further, their capability of getting harvest, cured as well as save for several years has made them a common crop for many years in several regions across the world.
Health benefits of olives:
The health benefits of the olives are many, due to the healthy monounsaturated fats . Which include oleic acids that work wonders in reducing inflammation and the LDL cholesterol level that’s beneficial to the heart. Flavonoids and tocopherol found in olives have anti oxidant properties that helps to reduce oxidation . That is related to chronical diseases such as diseases of the heart and cancerous diseases.
Digestive health is also enhance due to rich fiber content in the olives so as to always enable a correct digestion is made. In addition, the vitamins and minerals include vitamin k used in blood clotting and calcium for the bones. Olives also have a good intake of fiber, and therefore they assist in improving the digestive system. An instance of consuming a balance diet promoting health of a given person. Enables one to have the required amount of olives in one day.
Drinks of olives:
Olives also do not only serve as a food item . But as a beverage item as well and the most familiar olive oil beverages. Olive leaves have their uses in Mediterranean cultures, which prepare a solution called olive leaf tea by steeping olive tree leaves in hot water.
Also, olive oil which enriches heart healthy fats is occasionally applie as a component in smoothies . Or as a foundation for certain drinks targeted at the professionals in the fitness industry. Another olive based drink is the olives in brine. Which brine [saltwater solution] can sometimes be drunk or add to cocktails as a tangy ingredient.
Although not as popular as typical fruit base beverages. There are drinks containing olive that have fostered interest due to pertinent health benefits. Especially in areas populated by olive consumers.
Dessert :
While it is highly unusual to think of olives as a dessert making ingredient one needs to remember that in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines . Are sometimes incorporate as a sweet-savory ingredient. . Olive oil is typically use with citrus zests like lemon or orange and other enhancing additions like almonds or honey will enhance this cake. Another sweet dish using olives is the chocolate and olive truffles.
The smooth CK chopped and mixed with dark chocolate to produce a delicious and slightly salty sweet taste that complements the chocolate. In some regions especially those fill with or marinated with a citrus fruit or honey are also take as a sweet munching or snacks or even a form of confectionery. These desserts demonstrate how an ingredient that is unsurprisingly more associate with savory dishes, can be use innovatively in sweets and bring this depth of flavor and texture to them.