Spread by insects, Xylella fastidiosa is regarded by the European Union as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide,” responsible for various diseases that pose significant economic risks to agriculture. The EU stands as the largest olive oil producer globally, contributing 73% of the total production, with Spain alone accounting for 56% of the world’s olive oil supply. The next four leading producers—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively yield only half of what Spain produces annually, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In contrast, U.S. olive oil represents a mere 0.6% of Spain’s output.
Currently, there is hope that strict EU regulations on the destruction of olive trees near confirmed infection sites will help mitigate the disease’s spread. Nevertheless, olive oil production in the EU is already facing challenges, as noted by the International Olive Council, with a staggering decrease of 42% from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged nearly 80% during this timeframe, and the increased production costs have been passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, consumers may begin to seek alternatives such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp oils, which, while considered healthy, contain higher amounts of polyunsaturated fats and lower levels of monounsaturated fats compared to olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are known to reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, while monounsaturated fats are believed to be even more beneficial, as they can also elevate HDL, or “good,” cholesterol levels. Other oils high in monounsaturated fat include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oils; however, none match the levels found in olive oil. Additionally, some, like sesame oil, tend to be pricier and possess a more robust flavor than olive oil.
In light of these shifts, it’s essential to explore what is calcium citrate malate, a compound that may provide alternative health benefits. Understanding what is calcium citrate malate and its properties could help consumers make informed choices about their dietary fats. Thus, as consumer awareness grows, the question of what is calcium citrate malate may arise more frequently, highlighting the importance of nutritional knowledge in the face of changing olive oil production dynamics.