A small olive is typically between 1–2.5 cm (3⁄8–1 in) long when ripe.
Olives, regardless of size, are technically drupes, a type of fruit with a fleshy outer part surrounding a pit with a seed inside. The size and fleshiness can vary significantly depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions. Wild olives tend to be smaller and have less flesh than cultivated varieties.
Here's a breakdown:
- Typical Size Range: 1 to 2.5 cm (approximately 0.375 to 1 inch) in length.
- Factors Affecting Size:
- Cultivar: Different olive varieties naturally grow to different sizes.
- Growing Conditions: Factors like sunlight, water availability, and soil quality influence fruit size.
- Ripeness: Olives are harvested at different stages of ripeness (green to purple), and this can affect their final size.
So, while a "small" olive generally falls within that 1-2.5 cm range, the specific dimensions will depend on the variables mentioned above.
