Black olives grow on evergreen trees that typically reach 40 to 50 feet in height. These trees, in certain climates, are known for their smooth trunks and robust, wind-resistant branches.
Here's a breakdown of their growth:
- Tree Structure: The black olive tree starts with a pyramidal shape during its early growth stages. As it matures, the crown develops into a dense, full oval or rounded form.
- Maturation: Black olives, like other olive varieties, are the fruit of the Olea europaea tree.
- Harvesting: Olives are typically harvested when green and then undergo a curing process to become black olives. The black color is achieved through oxidation and other processing methods, as true ripe olives are often naturally dark purple or blackish.
Therefore, black olives don't naturally grow as "black olives" on the tree; they are green olives that are processed after harvesting to achieve their characteristic black color and flavor.
