Olives are the fruit of a small, slow-growing tree. They are originally from the Mediterranean region and grow best in poor soils in Mediterranean climates. Olives can be grown easily from both seeds and cuttings, but trees grown from seed don't always grow good fruit.

Olives can't be eaten fresh from the tree, they are too bitter. Olives need to be prepared by soaking them in salty water or otherwise preparing them to be eaten. Some types of olive can be pressed and oil made from them.