World leader in the production and export of table olives, Europe has always been able to demonstrate its expertise through food trends and the needs of consumers around the world. Pampered with gentle winters, hot summers and nutrient-rich soil, Spain brings together all the elements that make European olives from Spain world-famous. With 16% of the world’s olive trees, 21% of world production and 30% of world exports, combined with generations of tradition and refining of the craft, Spain is the largest producer and exporter of table olives, not just to Canada (49.2% quota in 2018) but also around the world!
Our
olives
Healthy
& tasty
✻
Not only are our European olives delicious, they’re also good for you! How wonderful is that? It’s a common misconception that olives contain a lot of calories. They’re actually three to four times lower in calories than any other commercial snack! It’s true: 100 g of olives contain just 150 kcal. Olives such as the Gordal, the Hojiblanca and the Manzanilla are always a smart snack!
Olives contain the ideal mix of essential vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. They’re also 50% water and a great source of minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.), fiber and oleic acid, which make them the perfect ingredient in a healthy meal.
Enjoy the best of the Mediterranean diet while:
- helping your body regulate cholesterol, by replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat;
- improving your cardiovascular system, thanks to the presence of oleic acid;
- slowing down cellular aging, thanks to vitamin E;
- digesting better, thanks to the presence of fiber.
With so many health benefits, no wonder experts suggest eating seven olives a day, it’s the perfect healthy and tasty snack!
Countless
varieties
✻
Europe is home to some 700 different varieties of olives, and each one is special in its own unique way. In fact, table olives are one of the rare products that combine the four basic tastes (sweet, salty, bitter and sour), which makes it possible to include them in almost any recipe! Their versatility never ceases to amaze, as they can be used in appetizers, main dishes, sauces, drinks and desserts (yes, you read that right).
Traditionally, olives are classified by type. The various types are defined by how ripe they are when harvested, and this is determined by their colouring. In general, we divide our olives into two types: green, which are semi-ripe, and black (ranging from black to deep purple), which are harvested just before or when they’re completely ripe.
Interestingly enough, not all varieties of olives are meant to be eaten as table olives. It all depends on factors such as the olive’s fat content, the size of the stone compared with the flesh, how hard it is to remove the stone, and the skin’s characteristics. In order to be upgraded to table olives, the fruit must have an average fat content, a small, smooth stone that can be removed easily, dense flesh, and delicate skin. That’s why our Gordal, Hojiblanca and Manzanilla are the best varieties to use as table olives.
Other varieties are mainly used to extract oil. You’d also be surprised how bitter and hard olives can be when first picked from the tree. Olives are the only fruit that can’t be eaten directly after being picked from the tree. They need to be processed after harvesting in September, October and November for their full flavour to emerge. To remove the inherent bitterness of green olives such as Gordal and Manzanilla, the fruit goes through a fermentation process that preserves it and locks in its savoury taste, colour and aroma. The Hojiblanca olive, on the other hand, must be harvested early and undergo a ripening acceleration process that enables its dark colour to develop. No, not all black olives are naturally black!
7 reasons
to love olives
✻
Experts recommend eating seven olives a day*, so we’re giving you seven reasons to love olives!
1. They’re an integral part of the savory & healthy Mediterranean diet
Olive oil, fresh vegetables, bread and wine—is your mouth watering yet? The Mediterranean diet is both delicious and heart-healthy. It’s a win-win!
2. There are so many different ways to eat them
Pitted, whole, sliced, served as a snack or in a sauce—you name it! Unleash your creativity to add that special twist to your meals.
3. They can be combined with as many ingredients as your imagination allows
Marinated, such as the Hojiblanca or the Gordal, or stuffed, just like the popular Manzanilla, with countless ingredients (more than 80), they’re so versatile you’ll be discovering new flavours every time you cook!
4. They bring sunshine right into your kitchen
When you enjoy European olives, you’re enjoying an age-old tradition that combines good food with good times.
5. They create bonds
In European latin countries, eating is a way of socializing: sharing olives means sharing stories, and good stories always lead to great friendships!
6. They’re healthy and nutritious
Add olives to your diet and do your body a huge favour. They contribute to good digestion, controlled cholesterol, a healthy cardiovascular system and a slower aging process—all in a single ingredient!
7. They’re simply delicious!
Have you ever stopped at one?
*Fewer olives are recommended for people with weight problems or high blood pressure.