On the slopes of the mountains, the forgotten boundaries, the spaces free of crops... If you take a walk through the countryside it is very likely that you will come across some wild olive trees. You may even have already wondered What is that bush so similar to the olive tree?. The similarity is not accidental: you are talking about the ancestor of the olive grove. But this is just one of the curiosities of the wild olive. Ready to know all its secrets?

What is wild olive?

The wild olive, scientifically known as Olea europaea var. Sylvestris, is the wild variety of olive tree. That is to say, it is the ancestor of the olive grove, although as if it were an arboreal 'Methuselah', it has been impassive for thousands of years. Please note that The different varieties of olive tree emerged in the 4th century BC. by the domestication of the wild olive. You just have to do the math.

The recipe for its longevity is its resistance and adaptability. One of the curiosities of the wild olive is that it can grow in poor soils and dry climates. In fact, despite developing under free will, it is not strange to see it in a natural state in Mediterranean environments without human care. Hence it is also known as border olive, since it usually germinates on boundaries and ditches.

What is the difference between the olive tree and the wild olive tree?

Although they are relatives in the first line of blood, there are notable differences between the wild olive and the olive tree. How to distinguish both species? These are the keys that you should keep in mind:

What curiosities does the wild olive present?

These specific characteristics compared to the olive tree mean that, around the wild olive tree, there is no shortage of curiosities. For example, Did you know that the wild olive is used as active ingredient of cosmetic products? It is because of its properties to treat skin conditions that date back to ancient Rome. What's more, popular medicine has attributed to this shrub benefits in relation to blood pressure, glucose control or fever reduction.

Its wood is also very precious. Being hard and of quality, it has been traditionally used in manufacturing of farming utensils and tools, or as construction or base material for primitive weapons. The shepherds, in turn, choose the wild olive branches as a rod and Their livestock also benefits from the wild olive tree. So, sheep and goats feed on its leaves and shoots, while pigs eat its fruits.

And one of the most striking curiosities of the olive tree. If an olive tree is neglected and left to grow on its own, it will become feral. This means that, in the long run, it transforms into wild olive trees. And vice versa; If an olive tree is grafted onto an olive tree, it takes on the appearance of the cultivated species.

What is the name of the wild olive?

While the fruit of the olive tree is the olive, in the case of the wild olive, the drupe is called acebuchina. The appearance is similar to that of the olive, but it is smaller and less fleshy. This causes the yield of the olive to be lower than that of the olive. Specifically, while the olive grove presents an average yield of 20 to 25%, depending on the variety, another of the curiosities of the wild olive is that the yield is only 8 to 10%. That is, while To make one liter of olive oil, you need between 4 and 5 kilos of olives., To obtain a liter of olive oil, more than 10 kilos are required.

Can you get olive oil from wild olive trees?

Therefore, yes you can get olive oil. It is even a very precious product, both for its flavor and for its organoleptic and nutritional properties. As for the first, olive oil contains subtle floral nuances and low acidity. This makes it less bitter, although it is slightly spicy. Regarding the properties, another of the curiosities of the wild olive is that it produces an oil with a high content of phenols and vitamin E.

However, its low yield and difficulties in harvesting the wild olive, when growing in steep areas, entails that the production of oil from the wild olive tree is very low. Therefore, if you want to benefit from the health and flavor benefits of the oil, it is more accessible - and just as pleasant - to enjoy a good extra virgin olive oil. At Hacienda Guzmán we have five varieties of Premium EVOO made respecting the values ​​of traditional agriculture and introducing the latest scientific advances to achieve the highest quality standards. Try them!