Olive Oil ProductionINTRODUCTIONOlive oil is a pale yellow to greenish oil extracted from the fruit of the European olive tree (Olea europaea L.), native to Mediterranean area. The olive tree is originally native to the eastern Mediterranean region, but the cultivated form is now grown throughout that area and in other parts of the world with Mediterranean-type climates. It hardens at refrigerator temperature - about 10 degrees F. There is certainly a market for olive oil today, since the United States imports about 35 million gallons each year. Interest in the health aspects of olive oil is expanding and demand is increasing every year. Demand has increased by more than 20% every year for the last 5 years. California produces about 300,000 gallons of oil each year, about half of which is sold each year as a gourmet treat classified as extra virgin and priced between $10 and $40 per pint. Among global producers, Spain leads with more than 40% of global production. production, followed by Italy and Greece. Much of the Spanish crop is exported to Italy, where it is consumed and repackaged for sale abroad as Italian olive oil. Different Grades of Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil comes from the first pressing of the olives and contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and is judged to be of superior taste. There can be no refined oil in extra virgin olive oil. Virgin olive oil with an acidity of less than 2% and judged to have good taste. There can be no refined oil in virgin olive oil. Olive oil is a mixture of virgin oil and refined virgin oil, containing a maximum of 1% acidity. It usually lacks a strong flavor. Olive pomace oil is a mixture of refined olive pomace oil and possibly virgin oil. It is suitable for consumption, but may not be c...... middle of paper ...... set aside a person or place for a special job. It is used in the ordination of priests and bishops, in the consecration of altars and churches and, traditionally, in the anointing of monarchs during their coronation. Even today, Eastern Orthodox Christians use oil lamps in their churches and home prayer corners. BIBLIOGRAPHY1. http://www.wikipedia.org2. http://www.olivetree.eat-online.net/frameoliveoil.htm3. http://www.oliflix.com/eng/enviroment.htm4. http://www.oliveoilsource.com/olive_recipes_.htm5. Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2002. © 1993-2001 Microsoft Corporation.6. Tous, J. and L. Ferguson. 1996. Mediterranean Fruits, Progress in New Crops. In: J. Janick (ed.), ASHS Press, Arlington, Virginia. P. 416-4307. www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/research/olive.html8. www.ucm.es/info/improliv/allgem.htm9. http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/o1/oliveoil.asp