Olive Leaf: What It Is and How to Use It
Olive leaf is exactly what it sounds like — the dried leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea), the same tree that gives us olive oil. The leaves brew into a mildly bitter, earthy tea and are also sold in cut and powdered forms for capsules and extracts. Find them in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry olive leaf in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to sample as a tea to a full bag for regular brewing. Scoop only what you need, and our staff can point you to it and help with brewing questions.
What We Carry
We stock olive leaf in cut and sifted form, ideal for brewing loose tea, as well as complementary bulk botanicals often blended with it. Everything is sold by weight, so you control the amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does olive leaf tea taste like?
Olive leaf tea is mildly bitter and earthy, similar to a light green tea with an herbal edge. The bitterness comes from oleuropein, the same compound that gives extra-virgin olive oil its peppery bite. Many people blend it with mint or lemon peel to soften the flavor.
What is olive leaf traditionally used for?
Olive leaf has a long history in Mediterranean folk herbalism, where it was traditionally brewed as a tea for general wellness. Modern research on its effects is still early, so it is best enjoyed as a traditional herbal tea rather than counted on for specific health outcomes.
Can I cook with olive leaf?
Olive leaf is used far more as a tea herb than as a culinary seasoning — it is too bitter for most cooking. If you want olive flavor in the kitchen, olive oil is the way to go; save the leaves for the teapot.
How should I store dried olive leaf?
Like all dried herbs, keep olive leaf in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. Stored properly, it keeps its color and aroma for about a year — if it looks faded or smells flat, it is time for a fresh scoop.
Did you know? The olive tree has been cultivated around the Mediterranean for thousands of years, and olive branches have symbolized peace since ancient times (source: Encyclopaedia Britannica). The leaves were part of folk herbal traditions long before olive oil became a pantry staple.
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find olive leaf in the bulk herbs.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.