Ratings
- A Guiri’s Take on Barça
(5.00 out of 5) - Barcelona Through the Years (5.00 out of 5)
- US Thanksgiving 2009 (5.00 out of 5)
Olives, Olives Everywhere
You have not been to Spain, until you try their olives, even if you do not like them. Before staying here in Barcelona, my mother told me “If you do not like olives now, you will,” and she was right. Some say Spanish olives are the best in the world. The warm Spanish climate makes the perfect conditions to grow olives, as many olive trees in France and Italy may freeze during the winter time. The country of Spain is recognized as being number one in producing and exporting excellent olives and oils. Many associate olives with Italy, but in fact the Roman Empire made Spain the supplier of olives, and even today Italy buys tons of olives each year from Spain. Spain produces over 260 different types of olives and also has the largest number of olive trees than any other country. So it is no wonder, why olives are staple ingredients and food in the Spanish culture. Olives are not only yummy, but they are also very healthy with sources of iron, vitamin E, calcium, dietary fiber, and are also considered an aphrodisiac. Maybe that is why the Spanish swear by them, and eat them or have olive oil with everything! Olives are found in everything; olive oil on your toast for breakfast, food cooked in olive oil for lunch, olives for snack, olives for tapas, olive oil in the pastries, and even olive/olive oil ice cream. Every restaurant and market will have olives available for purchase, which makes them perfect to eat for a snack. It is impossible to go wrong with eating Spanish olives, which is why you should eat 7 olives a day!
I would like to purchase olives from Barcelona area. Need the kind that are not marinated; just slightly brined. Where can I buy this? Thank you.