Shortly after, the Romans began bringing the practice of olive tree cultivation to the rest of Italy giving oil an important commercial value for trading. An olive tree can live for over 200 years and after a tree dies new branches will begin to bud in the same place. So in essence a olive tree can live forever. Harvesting the Olives Harvesting both the olives and grapes are considered the two big events in the Tuscan countryside. This is the beginning of the process that will bring the finest Olive Oil and Wine to our tables.
Timing is a very important factor when picking olives.
An olive's ripeness when picked will determine its quality and taste. Geographic position, climate and harvesting also play an important role. This method is done by hand with a very simple instrument shaped like scissors that has comb like teeth instead of blades. Farmers continue to use this method despite new technologies because it is still considered the best way to harvest the olives without ruining them or their trees. The ideal moment is when the majority of the olives have just become ripe.