Spain
Spain is renowned as one of the leading countries in olive cultivation and holds the title of the largest olive producer globally. The annual production amounts to approximately 5,276,899 metric tons, with around 75% of this output originating from the Andalusia region. Among the key producing provinces in this area are Jaén and Córdoba. Andalusia cultivates several varieties of olives, including Hojiblanca, Picual, Lechin, and Verdial. Furthermore, the Castilla-La Mancha region contributes about 14% of Spain’s total olive production. Other notable olive-producing areas include Extremadura, Catalonia, and Valencia. Spain exports olives to several major countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Portugal, and Italy.
Facts about Olive Cultivation in Jordan
Here are some key facts regarding olive tree cultivation in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, according to the National Center for Agricultural Research:
- The number of olive trees in Jordan is approximately 17 million.
- About 83% of the olives produced are converted into olive oil, while 13% are consumed as table olives.
- Olive cultivation represents a crucial economic and social foundation for Jordan, addressing issues of poverty and unemployment, impacting around 80,000 Jordanian families.
- Statistics indicate that 80% of the olive trees are fruit-bearing, while 20% are non-fruit-bearing.
- The distribution of olive cultivation across Jordan is as follows: 48% in the northern region, 44% in the central region, and 8% in the southern region.
Benefits of Olives
Olives offer numerous health benefits, including:
- Rich in antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Contains oleic acid, which promotes heart health.
- Includes various plant compounds that contribute to improved bone health.