Did You Know? Fun Olive Oil Facts

We get so serious talking about polyphenols and extra virginity and chemistry sometimes that we forget the fun parts of olive oil!  Here are a few you can bring out at your next trivia night!

• 11 pounds of pressed olives produces 1 quart (32 ounces) of EVOO
• Olive Oil is naturally cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrate free
• All olives start out green and turn black or dark purple as they ripen
• On average, the world consumes 2.25 million tons of olive oil each year.
• Consumption in the US has increased from 30 million gallons to nearly 70 million gallons a year over the last 2 decades.
• California produces 99% of the olive oil produced in the United States.
• Baked goods last longer when made with EVOO instead of butter. Polyphenols contribute to a longer shelf life.
• Average consumption of olive oil varies by country: Greece consumes the most (18kg per year), followed closely by Spain and Italy
• It takes 4 years for an olive tree to bloom. Its flowers are white.