A staple in many kitchens throughout the world, olive oil is as rich in flavor as it is history. Here are a few interesting facts about olive oil.

1. 11 pounds of olives are pressed to produce 32 ounces of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
2. Olive oil is free of cholesterol, sodium and carbohydrates.
3. Olive trees can live between 300 to 600 years, on average.
4. As they ripen, olives turn from green to dark purple or black.
5. 2.25 million tons of olive oil are consumed worldwide each year.
6. Vitamin E and polyphenols found in olive oil increased the shelf life of baked goods.
7. In the last 20 years, olive oil consumption has increased from 30 million to 60 million gallons in the United States.
8. Olives must be processed below 86 degrees to retain their aroma and oxidation levels.
9. One city and three towns in the United States are named Olive Branch.
10. 7 liters of pressed olives are required to produce one liter of oil.
11. 99 percent of the olive oil produced in the United States comes from California.
12. 2,550 olive branches were used to crown the Olympians in the 2004 games in Greece.
13. The United Nations, 7 nations and 4 states all feature an olive branch in their flag.
14. An olive tree produces approximately four liters of oil each year.
15. Olive trees are evergreen plants.