Olive oil: Difference between revisions
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'''Olive oil''' is an [[oil]] derived from the fruit of the [[olive]] tree, which originated in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Sea Mediterranean] area. It is produced by pressing [[olive]]s and has a very high content of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monounsaturated_fat monounsaturated fat]s. |
'''Olive oil''' is an [[oil]] derived from the fruit of the [[olive]] tree, which originated in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Sea Mediterranean] area. It is produced by pressing [[olive]]s and has a very high content of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monounsaturated_fat monounsaturated fat]s. |
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Olive oil was traditionally produced by beating the olives from [[tree]]s with sticks, soaking them in [[water]], and crushing them in [[stone]] or [[wood]]en [[mortar (bowl)|mortar]]s or [[beam press]]es. Nowadays, olives are ground to tiny bits, and the pulp is mixed with water and processed by [[centrifuge|centrifugation]], which separate the oil from other substances. |
Olive oil was traditionally produced by beating the olives from [[tree]]s with [[wood|sticks]], soaking them in [[water]], and crushing them in [[stone]] or [[wood]]en [[mortar (bowl)|mortar]]s or [[beam press]]es. Nowadays, olives are ground to tiny bits, and the pulp is mixed with water and processed by [[centrifuge|centrifugation]], which separate the oil from other substances. |
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Olives may be pressed several times, and with each pressing the quality of the oil obtained is less. The oil obtained from the first pressing is called extra virgin. Today olive oil is mainly used in [[cooking]], but has been used for [[medicine]]s, in [[cosmetics]] and [[soap]]s, and as a [[fuel]]. |
Olives may be pressed several times, and with each pressing the quality of the oil obtained is less. The oil obtained from the first pressing is called extra virgin. Today olive oil is mainly used in [[cooking]], but has been used for [[medicine]]s, in [[cosmetics]] and [[soap]]s, and as a [[fuel]]. |
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The oil was a central product of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoan_civilization Minoan civilization], where it is thought to have represented [[wealth]]. The Minoans put the pulp into [[settling tank]]s and, when the oil rose to the top, drained the water from the bottom. |
The oil was a central product of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoan_civilization Minoan civilization], where it is thought to have represented [[wealth]]. The Minoans put the pulp into [[settling tank]]s and, when the oil rose to the top, drained the water from the bottom. |
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[[category:materials (medieval)]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:56, 22 May 2006
Olive oil is an oil derived from the fruit of the olive tree, which originated in the Mediterranean area. It is produced by pressing olives and has a very high content of monounsaturated fats.
Olive oil was traditionally produced by beating the olives from trees with sticks, soaking them in water, and crushing them in stone or wooden mortars or beam presses. Nowadays, olives are ground to tiny bits, and the pulp is mixed with water and processed by centrifugation, which separate the oil from other substances.
Olives may be pressed several times, and with each pressing the quality of the oil obtained is less. The oil obtained from the first pressing is called extra virgin. Today olive oil is mainly used in cooking, but has been used for medicines, in cosmetics and soaps, and as a fuel.
The oil was a central product of the Minoan civilization, where it is thought to have represented wealth. The Minoans put the pulp into settling tanks and, when the oil rose to the top, drained the water from the bottom.
