DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
In ancient times called the tree of life. In the past, mainly the leaves of the olive tree were used, today the fruit, the olive. The content of polyphenols is much higher in the leaf than in the fruit. The bitter taste of the olive leaf comes from the oleupein, at the same time one of the most important ingredients.
The olive tree is an evergreen tree from the olive tree genus (Olea), which belongs to the olive tree family (Oleaceae). It can grow up to 20 m high and is often gnarled when old. The olive tree can become several hundred years old. It has been cultivated as a useful plant since the 4th millennium BC. The traditional rule is "the more crooked and gnarled, the better the yield". Depending on the area in which they grow (Mediterranean, Middle East and South Africa), olive trees blossom from the end of April to the beginning of June. There are between 10 and 40 flowers on the inflorescences. The blossom is wind-pollinated.
The dried leaves (olive tree leaves - Oleae folii) and the oil of the fruits (olive oil - Olivae oleum) are used phytotherapeutically.
