Resource Guides by Marcia Wood Agricultural Research Service
In ongoing investigations, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and university researchers are taking a fresh look at the ability of olive powder and other plant compounds to combat foodborne pathogens and keep food safe to eat.
For every gallon of olive oil that's pressed from the ripe fruit, about 38 pounds of olive skins, pulp and pits are left behind. Known as pomace, these leftovers typically have low-value uses. But U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agricultural engineer Rebecca R. Milczarek and her colleagues are working with olive growers and olive-oil processors in California—where most of the nation's commercial olives are grown—to find new, environmentally friendly, and profitable uses for pomace.