Mission Olive Tree

The Mission Olive tree produces edible fruits loaded with antioxidants. While smaller than the Manzanillo fruit, the Mission olive boasts a higher oil content, making it the preferred choice for cold-pressed olive oil in the California olive oil industry.Aptly named, the 'Mission' olive is a California classic. Introduced to California in the late 1700s by the Franciscan monks, who purposefully planted these olive trees around the Spanish missions, it is valued for its dual purpose. This cold-hardy olive can be pressed for oil production and cured for eating, Described as nutty, mildly grassy, bright, smooth, and mild, the flavor depends on the degree of ripeness and harvest time. The olive oil possesses a slightly sweet and a distinctly buttery flavor.Olea europaea 'Mission' is a vigorous, erect tree reaching up to 30 ft. tall at maturity but can be maintained at a smaller size or shaped with routine pruning. The narrow grey-green foliage, thick and leathery with silvery undersides, c