I was about to pick up a green olive tree from Tesco, but the label warned it's "not for consumption." Is this usual for olive tree fruits? I want to grow an olive tree that I can actually eat from. Is there anything specific I should be aware of before I dive in?
3 Answers
Growing olives in the UK can be quite tricky! The varieties sold here often aren't the same ones that yield tasty fruit. If you're determined to have your own olive tree, do some research on varieties that thrive in our climate and actually produce good fruit. Keep in mind, many olive trees grow olives meant for oil rather than direct consumption. It takes a bit of work to get them to fruit, so make sure you’re ready to meet their specific needs.
The 'not for consumption' label might stem from the chemicals used on the plants. They might apply pesticides or fungicides that aren’t approved for edible crops. It’s not that they necessarily used harmful substances, but they just can’t certify it for eating. I remember buying a Meyer lemon tree from Tesco that had similar labeling due to pesticide treatment, but the fruit turned out fine for me!
In the UK, the chances of getting fully ripe olives are pretty slim. Even with the right care, the fruit might just never mature enough. They can still be lovely trees though, even if they don’t produce edible fruit. Just be prepared that if they do produce, you’ll need to process the olives, which can be a lot of effort for minimal reward!