Oleuropein is a polyphenol and gives fresh olives their bitter taste. That is why you cannot eat olives straight from the tree. As the fruit ripens and the oil is extracted, part of it breaks down into other compounds such as hydroxytyrosol. Some of these end up in the olive oil.
Most oleuropein is found in the leaves of the olive tree. Our Ölich Olive Leaf Tea is made from 100 per cent olive leaves. Tart, earthy and full of character.
