Jordanian olives

Abstract

In addition to their gastronomic importance, olive trees are an intrinsic part of Jordan's cultural fabric, contributing significantly to the livelihoods of many families. There are 13 different local varieties. The olive harvest season, which begins in November, stands as a pivotal moment etched into the collective memory of farmers, families, and the local community. This festive time brings loved ones together to handpick olives, accompanied by joyful folklore songs and traditional meals. It is a moment for community activities, when entire families work together tosort, classify, and press the harvested olives.Olives are one of the agricultural crops that have widely spread in Jordan with about 10.6 million planted trees covering 30 percent of the planted areas and around 70 percent of the fruits’cultivated areas. The annual production from these trees reaches 125 150 tonnes of olives, of which 17 percent turns into about 21 000 tonnes of virgin olive oil.