Anyone visiting an oil mill in Greece during the production season would see a huge pile of olive leaves accumulated at a corner of the property after the olives have been defoliated.
This solid byproduct is of negligible importance to the producer, and it usually serves as a soil fertilizer. But this paltry leftover can play a more important role, adding to the producer’s slim profits.
Dried olive leaves are used in countries like Japan, Korea and the USA to produce tea. Back in 2006 there was only one Greek producer exporting olive leaves to Japan for €3,5 per kilo, and since then only a few others have started such a venture. The task is not a demanding one, with the only prerequisite being that the leaves must come from organic olive groves to avoid the presence of foreign substances.
Olive leaf tea is becoming quite popular and is considered to be of high nutritional value. Producers in Greece should consider taking advantage of the big quantities of olive leaves going practically unexploited and increase their revenue, at least marginally.
Related Articles
Nov. 14, 2024
Italian Growers Face Disappointing Yields
In northern and central Italy, many producers are seeing below-average oil yields. In the south, yields are normal but there's far less fruit.
Nov. 12, 2024
Jordan Braces for Disappointing Harvest Amid Low Oil Yields
Despite initial hopes for a larger harvest, Jordan now predicts olive production will reach 26,000 metric tons this year, a reduction of 4,000 tons.
Apr. 22, 2024
Olive Milling Byproducts May Improve Animal Feed
Diets including olive tree leaves and olive oil pomace did not negatively impact the health of sheep or their milk quality while decreasing methane emissions.
Jun. 6, 2024
Pieralisi Appoints New Chief Executive
Coming from the cargo handling sector, the new chief executive plans to focus on increasing its presence in key markets and continuing to develop cutting-edge technology.