Oregon Olives
Still a niche industry in Oregon, olive growing is gaining increased recognition for the quality of its extra virgin olive oil. However, Oregon olive growers currently have only one product and therefore a single stream of revenue: extra virgin olive oil. Our project has sought to develop a market for olive plant material such as leaves and twigs from the annual pruning of olive trees that would otherwise go to waste.
Craft Beverages
Our project has led to the development of beer, cider, cocktail bitters, sparkling water, spirits, and tea made with olive material. We have collaborated with Bauman’s Cider, Divine Distillers, DriftWest Water, Freeland Spirits, Heartland Ciderworks, Level Beer, and the OSU Food Innovation Center.
Nutritional Benefits
Olive material and extra virgin olive oil have long been know for their nutritional value. Olives and olive leaf are very high in phenolic compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They play a major role in the Mediterranean diet which study after study has linked to numerous health benefits.
Outreach to Expand the Use of Olive Plant Material in Beverages
Funding for this project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA or the ODA.
