Olive Varieties in South Africa and their Benefits
South Africa is home to a wide variety of olive cultivars, each with its own distinct flavours and health advantages. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most popular olives in South Africa.
Embark on a delicious journey through the diverse world of South African olives! This land, bathed in sunshine, nourishes a vibrant tapestry of olive cultivars, each bursting with unique flavours and remarkable health benefits. From the versatile Mission to the robust Coratina, each olive sings a distinctive tune on your palate while serenading your body with a chorus of antioxidants and vital nutrients.
Mission
This adaptable Californian cultivar flourishes in the climate of South Africa, where it is widely cultivated. It offers a variety of olives, suitable for both oil production and table consumption.
Benefits:
- Packed with antioxidants.
- Mission olives promote heart health and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Frantoio
Hailing from Italy, Frantoio olives are renowned for their impressive oil yield (up to 25%) and bold, zesty flavour. They are mainly utilised for oil production.
Benefits:
- Frantoio olive oil boasts a wealth of oleocanthal.
- A compound known for its anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
Coratina
Hailing from Italy, Coratina olives are highly regarded for their rich, fruity taste and impressive oil content (19–24%). They are renowned for their impressive polyphenol levels, which contribute to the promotion of healthy cholesterol and antioxidant activity.
Benefits:
- Coratina olive oil boasts a wealth of antioxidants.
- Which effectively shields against cellular damage and chronic ailments.
Manzanilla
These small, green Spanish olives are commonly enjoyed as table olives. They possess a refined, velvety taste and a crunchy consistency.
Benefits:
- Manzanilla olives provide a valuable supply of vitamin E
- Which is crucial for maintaining skin health and promoting proper cell function.
Kalamata
Originating from Greece, Kalamata olives are highly regarded for their substantial texture, graceful appearance, and rich taste. They are commonly savoured as black table olives.
Benefits:
- Kalamata olives offer a wealth of nutritional value
- Providing essential iron and dietary fibre to support healthy gut and blood cell production.
South Africa’s olive groves paint a vibrant picture of culinary delight and wellness. Each olive variety, from the buttery Mission to the antioxidant-rich Coratina, offers a unique flavour profile and a treasure trove of health benefits. Whether savoured as table olives or pressed into golden oil, these Mediterranean gems promise to tantalise your taste buds and nourish your body.
