Fact #1:

Carbon-dating has shown that the olive has existed for at least 8,000 years.

Fact #2:

Practically all of the olive production in the United States takes place in California.

Fact #3:

Green olives are damaged when the temperature falls below 28°F, but those that are ripe might be able to withstand temperatures a  few degrees lower.

Fact #4:

Olives are grown on evergreen trees. The trees themselves can grow to around 50 feet in height and spread about 30 feet in width. Regular pruning is required to keep the height to less than 20 feet.

Fact #5:

Olives have a life expectancy of about 500 years. In fact, the trees are so stubborn that even if you cut them down, they’ll easily sprout back.

Fact #6:

Olive trees should be planted in full sunlight and away from sidewalks. Monthly deep watering is usually more than adequate to keep the trees alive.

Fact #7:

Pests and diseases that often affect the olive tree include medflies, olive fruit flies, verticillium wilt and olive knot. However, due to the scent of the oil in the olives, olive trees are rarely sprayed with pesticides.

Fact #8:

California makes millions upon millions of dollars each year with their commercial olive production.

Fact #9:

Of the dozens of different varieties of olives, five are grown in California: Manzanillo, Sevillano, Mission, Ascolano and Barouni.

Fact #10:

To show you how old olives really are, consider this. Olives have been grown in Crete since 2,500 B.C. From there, they spread to Greece, Rome, and eventually other Mediterranean areas.