Olives are a globally used fruit found in all types of recipes and dishes. Not only are olives themselves frequently used in recipes, but olive oil is at the height of its popularity. In fact it wasn't until the 1980's when olive trees started to be planted specifically for their oil. Olive trees are hearty plants that have been used as a resource since ancient times in countries such as Greece, Egypt, and Israel. Olive trees are so hearty that they can live for hundreds and suspected thousands of years.
The olive tree is a surface rooted plant that is usually located in what would be considered unfitting locations for most other plants that produce fruition. Such unfitting conditions would include poor soil areas and areas where water is scarce. Although olive trees are able to develop in these conditions they will not grow just anywhere. Olive trees and its fruit are sensitive to temperature. Different olive varieties are more or less sensitive to certain temperatures however no olive can survive freezing temperatures. Olive trees will not produce fruit in tropical conditions and any temperature below 15 degrees F can damage even the largest of the olive trees branches. Olives grown under the wrong conditions will produce off flavors. For the best results olives need to be grown in cool temperatures around 45 degrees F.
Once olive trees start to produce olives the olives are out through a brining process. Brining is the preservation process used for olives. It is a salt-laden solution used to pack the olives. There are different methods of brining for different amounts of time.