The olive tree is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean. The trunk is typically gnarled and twisted. Olives are harvested in the green to purple stage. Canned black olives may contain chemicals (usually ferrous sulfate) that turn them black artificially. Olives contain substances that are believed to help ward off cancer, polyphenols. Polyphenols give the olive its taste and aroma. One of the polyphenols found in olives is thought to act as an anti-inflammatory. So eat up! ~ Chef ~
