Couple use greenhouse to grow first UK olives

A couple have decided to make the ultimate use of an empty greenhouse to produce the UKs first ever commercial crop of olives.

The Daily Mail reports that two years ago Stephen and Sarah Nunn began to use the greenhouse on their farm in Sidlesham near Chichester and planted 180 olive trees.

Italian olive experts have since given the olives a thumbs-up, with the consensus stating that they are sweeter and firmer than those traditionally grown in the Mediterranean.

After picking the olives, the couple go through the process of draining them in water for ten days before placing them in brine for nine weeks.

Mrs Nunn told the publication: "We wanted to produce a high value crop to sell on and thought we would try olives, even though Stephen doesnt like them.

"We are absolutely stunned and amazed that we have managed to become the first people in Britain to grow and sell olives."

She added that among the most challenging aspects was getting the brine right, while family and friends have been inspirational in the development process.

Olives are typically harvested in the autumn and winter, although the exact time varies in different countries.