Olives growing in Jordan

Jordan olive areas

Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has a important mediterranean meaning. Its cultivation was originated from the eastern part of this sea arround 6000 years ago. Since Jordan is one of the homelands of cultivated olives.
Olive tree is the most important fruit tree grown in Jordan. It covers about 72% of the total area planted with fruit trees and 36% of the total cultivated area (80% of the total olive cultivar is harvested for olive oil and 20% for table olives)
More attention and care had been given last years to this olive tree as it was reflected by the increasing in cultivated areas, about 200% in the year 2006, compared to 1991. It covers now about 126,000 ha. The production of Jordanian olives is concentrated in two regions:The most widespread pests are: "Dacus oleae" and olive stem borer in rain-fed areas and Verticillum disease in irrigated areas.

1. The western mountain ranges that cross the kingdom from north to south. Most plantations in this area is rain – fed, and produces 70% of the countries total olive oil output.From Aqaba to Tafileh and Karak.
2. Irrigated farms in the eastern and southern part of Jordan, produces the remaining 30%. From Ajloun to Irbid and Jerash

Northwest of Jordan

Most of the olive cultivars planted in Jordan belong to the dual – purpose type: the fruits might be used either for pickling as table olives for jordanian consumption or export purposes  or pressed to produce olive oil.

The most important olive varieties are Nabali Baladi (for Green, Natural Black and  Black Oxidized styles), Rasie, and Souri.

Jordan reached self-sufficiency in olives and olive oil production since the year 2000.