Story Title: Olive Trees
Episode: Food and Garden Special
Date: 4 April 2010
Presenter: Neville Passmore

Olives are fruit with biblical links. These extremely long lived trees are terrific additions to modern gardens, particularly those with a Mediterranean climate and Perth is a great example.

Neville's Tips and Facts

• As a garden plant they have attractive grey green foliage and they are tough as nails.
• Olives are one of the most adaptable fruiting trees and are seriously waterwise. In the garden they can be weaned off additional watering after a year.
• They also make great potted trees as they are able to get over a missed drink or two.
• Timing is important and autumn is without doubt the best time to plant out any trees or shrubs in Perth.
• They have a mild season to set roots and get established well before the ravages of summer hit them.
• Make sure the potting mix is top class, set it up with a dripper irrigation system and you could be processing your first fruits within the first year. These few are ready to go right now.

Home processing Table Olives

Olives – black or green in water

• Wash olives and strain well (don't need to cut skin)
• Fill 1 litre jar/tub (or any container) with olives to the top (using a jar that can be sealed)
• Add 1 rounded tablespoon of salt or saturated salt solution (10%-100gms salt in 1litre H20)
• Fill with cold water & make sure olives are below surface level – push down with plate & keep submerged /or use layer of olive oil
• Jar remains sealed at room temperature, ~ 4 months to mature
• When ready to use – rinse olives in cold water
• Use immediately or keep in fridge: for natural flavour keep olives in a jar with water, use within 1-2 weeks; or to marinate - add herbs and a little olive oil, and/or a little vinegar, chopped garlic, chilli, fennel seeds.
• Serve immediately at room temperature or keep refrigerated in sealed container.

For more waterwise plants tips visit www.watercorporation.com.au

Waterwise Plants for Perth
This 'Waterwise Plants for Perth Gardens' directory is based upon information provided by Western Australia's wholesale plant growers. The plants listed are those that, once established, will flourish on one watering day a week or less during summer.

Olive trees and all your planting needs available from Waldecks. Find your nearest store here.

Contact
Water Corporation
629 Newcastle Street
Leederville  WA  6007
Phone: (08) 9420 2420
www.watercorporation.com.au

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