Olives are universally eaten whole, and widely used for cooking and ﬂavoring in the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.
Olives and olive oil are central to the Mediterranean diet. Olives are universally eaten whole, and widely used for cooking and ﬂavoring in the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Olive oil is the principal source of dietary fat used for cooking, baking, and for dressing salads and vegetables. Extra virgin olive oil is highest in health-promoting fats, phytonutrients and other important micronutrients.