Modern Techniques in the Production of Table Olives

Abstract

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is one of the most important trees in the world, and olive oil and table olives are consumed extensively as a basic ingredient of the Mediterranean diet. Table olives are prepared from the fruit of a variety of cultivated olive trees, and, after removing their bitterness by several methods, they are preserved by natural fermentation or other methods before packing. Currently, scientists and consumers alike are interested in and prefer fresh and healthy table olives that have been minimally and safely processed. The aim of this chapter is to provide information about the modern food-processing techniques that are used to improve the quality characteristics of table olives.