Olive oil facts for kids
Olive oil is a special kind of vegetable oil. It comes from the fruits of the olive tree, which are called olives. Think of it like squeezing juice from an orange, but instead, you're getting oil from an olive!
People use olive oil in many ways. It's great for cooking, making food taste delicious. It's also used in cosmetics (like lotions), old traditional medicine, and even as a fuel for oil lamps.
Contents
What Makes Olive Oil Good?
The quality of olive oil is measured by a few things. One important measure is its "acidity." This isn't about how sour it tastes, but about certain chemicals in the oil. The very best olive oil, called "Extra-Virgin," has a very low acidity, less than 0.8%. This means it's super pure and fresh!
Healthy Benefits of Olive Oil
Many people think olive oil is a healthy choice for their diet. This is because it has lots of good fats, especially one called oleic acid. It also contains special things called polyphenols, which are good for your body. Olive oil is very popular in countries around the Mediterranean region.
Where Olive Oil Comes From
Spain is the biggest producer of olive oil in the world. It has more than one-third of all the olive trees on Earth!
Images for kids
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An old workshop in Klazomenai (modern Turkey) where ancient Greeks made olive oil.
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An ancient machine used to press olives, found in Bodrum, Turkey.
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An olive crusher from Pompeii, a city buried by a volcano in 79 AD.
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A picture from the 1500s showing how olive oil was made.
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Vinegar and olive oil, often used together for salads.
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Olives soaking in olive oil.
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A modern machine that makes olive oil using a "cold press" method in Israel.
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An olive oil mill, where olives are turned into oil.
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A bottle of Italian olive oil.
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An Italian label for "extra virgin" olive oil.
See also
In Spanish: Aceite de oliva para niños
