A witness to past monarchies, empires, and principalities, olive cultivation in Anatolia continues to exhibit potency under the young Turkish Republic. Moreover, through an increase in the land area of olive cultivation and in the tree population, the production of olives and olive oil has risen. From the economic and social perspective, olive cultivation in today's Turkey supplies a livelihood for approximately 400,000 cultivators - the majority of whom are small producers. In addition, it serves in an indirect fashion as a source of income for millions through employment in the spheres of agriculture, industry, and trade.

At present, Turkey boasts 900,000 hectares devoted to the cultivation of olives and an estimated total of 150 million trees which represents approximately 10% of worldwide olive growing area and olive trees. The area dedicated to olive cultivation expands with each passing day.

In terms of olive oil production, Turkey ranks fourth in the world after Spain, Italy and Greece. The average annual olive yield of Turkey is approximately 1,200,000 tons. The major proportion of 75% is produced in the Aegean region. The Mediterranean each account for 10% share.Olive production in the southeastern region comes to 5% and the Black Sea is less than 1%.

How to Store Olive Oil

1. Keep away from direct sunlight.
2. Keep it in glass bottles.
3. Don't keep it in very cold or very hot environment.
4. The ideal room temperature to store olive oil is 21 degrees centigrade.
5. Olive oil bought in cans should be transferred into glass bottles once opened.

Source: Aegean Exporters Union, 2008.

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1. Reduce the risk of cancer - olive oil contains squalene in large quantities, known for its positive effects in curing cancer.

2. Protects cells - olive oil has anti-oxidant properties and source of Vitamin E, it constructs damaged cells through Oleiprine, an anti-oxidant richly present in olive oil.

3. Reduce the risk of heart attack - olive oil balances cholesterol in the blood, prevents blood clotting.

4. Decreases the formation of stones in gall bladder - olive oil helps in digestion process and prevents the straining of gall bladder.

5. Protects stomach - olive oil establishes protective membrane layer in the stomach and reduces acid levels, a very effective way of stopping ulcer formation.

6. Helps kidney to function properly - olive oil helps in preventing constipation and hemorroids, digestion of olive oil is very easy and it is absorbed by the intestines. It helps intestines to work regularly and properly.

7. Helps the growth of bones - Vitamin E and Oleic Acid (mono-unsaturated fatty acids) in the olives contributes to the growth of bones. It is beneficial for pregnant women in the development of fetus' brain and nerve system.

8. Prevents formation of stone in splenic..

9. Very effective in curing jaundice - regular consumption of olives balances blood pressure and decreases bad cholesterol levels in the body.

10. Ancient source of beauty - direct application to hair and skin is encouraged as it feeds and rehabilitates the hair and skin.

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