National Olive Day - A Celebration of Olives

June 1 celebrates National Olive Day, a day that honors the incredible versatility and health benefits of olives. Whether you love eating olives as a snack, using olive oil in your cooking, or indulging in a delicious bowl of pasta with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, National Olive Day is the perfect time to celebrate this amazing fruit.

There are hundreds of different varieties of olives, all of which you can choose from, to celebrate this day. The most popular types, however, are Kalamata, Beldi, Thasos, Gaeta olives, Castelvetrano olives, Arbequina, Amfissa olives, Nyons, Liguria olives, Niçoise, Gordal olives, Picholine, Cerignola, Alphonso, La Catalan, Manzanilla olives, Moroccan dry- or salt-cured black olives, Mission, Stuffed olives, and Italian dry- or salt-cured olives.

History of The National Olive Day

The history of olives dates back to ancient times -almost 8,000 years ago- when the olive tree was symbolic and considered sacred by many cultures. In fact, the olive is among the oldest trees in the world, and hence olives are among the oldest fruits known.

In ancient Greece, olive branches were used as symbols of peace and victory, and olive oil was considered a precious commodity that was used for cooking, lighting lamps, and even in religious ceremonies.

Today, olives are grown and harvested in many different parts of the world, and they are enjoyed by millions of people every day. 

The National Olive Day was founded in 2015 by Divina Products, a company known for producing different types of Mediterranean products including not just olives, but also peppers, figs, and fig jams.  

National Olive Day is, therefore, a celebration of this incredible fruit and the many ways in which it is used in our daily lives.

The Health Benefits of Olive Oil

In addition to its delicious flavor, olive oil also has many health benefits that make it a popular ingredient in many dishes. 

Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are known to be beneficial for heart health. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is known for its high levels of healthy fats and antioxidants. This type of olive oil is made from pure, cold-pressed olives and is not refined or processed in any way.

This means that it retains more of its natural nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice for cooking and eating.

Celebrating National Olive Day With Bariani Olive Oil

If you're looking for a high-quality, delicious olive oil to celebrate National Olive Day with, then Bariani Olive Oil is a great choice.

This family-owned company has been producing extra virgin olive oil in California since 1991, using only the highest quality olives and traditional cold-pressing methods.

Bariani Olive Oil is known for its rich, fruity flavor and its health benefits. It's perfect for drizzling over salads, and pasta dishes, or using in your favorite recipes.

And best of all, it's made with love and care by a family who is passionate about producing the best olive oil possible.

Which Flowers Can Be Used in National Olive Day Celebrations

National Olive Day is, by and large, dedicated to celebrating the health benefits and culinary uses of olives, and hence the day may not overly be flower-oriented since olives are not typically associated with flowers. The olive tree, however, produces whitish flowers called rapa, trama, cadillo, or esquimo depending on the geographical region.

There are, therefore, no specific flowers traditionally associated with National Olive Day. However, if you are looking to incorporate some floral decorations into your National Olive Day celebration, you could consider using green and white flowers to symbolize the colors of olives, or incorporating in your floral arrangements Mediterranean-inspired flowers such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme, which are commonly used in the cuisine of olive-growing regions.

How to Celebrate the National Olive Day

So, how can you celebrate National Olive Day? There are various ways in which you can celebrate the National Olive Day. Some ideas for observing this day are

Host an Olive Oil Tasting Session at a National Olive Day Gathering

You can invite your friends and family over for an olive oil tasting party. Buy a few different types of olive oil and sample them together, noting the differences in flavor and aroma.

You could also pair the olive oil with different foods, such as bread, cheese, or vegetables, to see how they complement each other, while you enjoy the taste of this Mediterranean fruit.

Make Your Own Olive Tapenade

Olive tapenade is a delicious and versatile spread that can be used on bread, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables. 

It's easy to make at home with just a few ingredients, including olives, garlic, and olive oil. So, for your observance of National Olive Day, how about you experiment with adding different herbs or spices to customize the flavor?

Try a New Olive Oil-Based Recipe

There are countless recipes that feature olive oil as a key ingredient, from simple salads to elaborate main dishes. 

Take this opportunity to try a new recipe that showcases the rich, fruity flavor of extra virgin olive oil and savor the richness of the recipes available.

Or Just Visit a Mediterranean Eatery and Enjoy the Cuisine

Going out to a Mediterranean eatery can afford you an opportunity to sample a variety of recipes made using olives, as well as other Mediterranean cuisines.

From Egyptian lentils with rice and pasta, also known as Koshari, to authentic Greek salad, also called Horiátiki Salata, Armenian losh kebab, tortilla Española, black-eyed peas with fresh dill, olive oil, and orange slices, and Briam which is baked vegetables in olive oil and originates from the Island of Ikaria in Greece, there is so much that you can choose from.

Visit an Olive Grove or Olive Oil Producer

If you live in an area where olives are grown, consider taking a tour of an olive grove or visiting an olive oil producer. 

This can be a great way to learn more about the history and production of this amazing fruit, as well as to taste some delicious olive oil straight from the source.

Who knows? You could have a taste of the different olive varieties available as you learn so much about this ancient fruit, that you perhaps did not have any idea of!

Mark Your Calendar for This Incredible Year's National Olive Day!

National Olive Day celebrates the incredible versatility and health benefits of olives. Whether you love snacking on olives, cooking with olive oil, or indulging in a delicious bowl of pasta with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy all that this amazing fruit has to offer.

From its history, the olive tree, to the immense health benefits of olive oil, there's so much to learn and appreciate about this incredible fruit. 

And whether you celebrate National Olive Day by hosting an olive oil tasting, trying a new recipe, or visiting an olive grove, you're sure to have a memorable and delicious experience. 

So mark your calendar for National Olive Day on the 1st of June and get ready to celebrate the versatility and usefulness of this amazing fruit.

Featured image by miguelibars and header image by MarcoCentenaro80.