The Olive Tree - Olive oil trees are the longest lived of all fruit trees - some are known to be as old as 600 years. There are about 800 million in the world with the average tree taking between 20-25 years however to reach its peak.

Olives Symbolise - In the bible it was a dove which returned to Noah’s ark to bring an olive branch. Since then olives have symbolised chastity, fecundity, peace, prosperity and victory.

Olive Oil - It take about five kilos of olives to produce one litre of olive oil.

Italian Heritage - There are 200 varieties of olives worldwide. Italy has the greatest number of varieties - about 100.

The Olive Season - Olive trees are biannual - trees flowering in May or June taking around 6 months for olives to ripen.

Colour - All olives are first green and if allowed to ripen fully on the tree become black or nearly black. Green olives are inedible straight from the tree. The colour of olive oil tells you practically nothing about the taste.

Olive Pulp - Pulp left over after an oil pressing is washed with hot water to extract oil to light lamps called Lampante.

Soap - Olive oil is also used in Italy to make soap.

Beauty - Olive oil can be used as a toner for muscles or as a treatment for dry hair.

Hangover - Olive oil can prevent a hangover by taking a spoonful before drinking.