O is for Olive
Olives are more than just a topping for pizza – although they are a great addition to it! Olives are full of good for you fats that keep your heart healthy and they are a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps our body fight disease.
The many colors of olives come from the different stages of ripening – they ALL start out green on the tree! If you buy green olives in the store, they are younger than purple or black/brown olives. All colors of olives contain the same healthy fats and nutrients.
Olives are a fruit, just like peaches, plums, and nectarines, they’re members of the drupe family. They hang from a tree and have one single pit. You can buy olives pit in or pit out, depending on how you’ll be using them and what you prefer. The olives with the pits removed are ready to eat, cook, and top lots of your favorite foods with!
There are lots of ways to enjoy olives on some of your family’s favorite foods! Add whole, pitted olives to a veggie tray with dip for some color and variety. Top any salad with sliced olives. Stir black olives (and veggies!) into mac n’ cheese for a fun take on a kid-pleaser. Pack olives, cheese, and low-sodium lunch meat for a snack!
This recipe for California Taco Bowls is a great way to add some olives to your family’s favorite foods. Whole grain rice and ground turkey lighten up a classic. Have little ones help to top the bowls with sliced olives, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese!
California Taco Bowls (serves 4) recipe from calolive.org
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice, cooked
- ¾ pound ground turkey, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
- ¾ cup salsa
- ¾ cup California Black Ripe Olives, sliced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
- Place ¼ cup brown rice, 3 ounces turkey taco meat, 3 tablespoons salsa, 3 tablespoons sliced olives and top with 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve warm.