The History of Olive Oil

Olive trees have been an integral part of Mediterranean culture for centuries, with their fruit providing a source of nourishment, medicine, and even fuel. But it's the oil that has truly captured the world's attention. From its early use in ancient civilizations to its current status as a dietary staple and beauty product ingredient, olive oil has come a long way. Join us on a journey through the centuries of olive cultivation, learning about the history, production, and uses of this versatile oil. Discover the secrets of traditional olive groves, where the trees are still tended by hand, and the modern techniques used to produce the highest quality oil. Explore the health benefits of olive oil, from reducing inflammation to improving heart health, and learn how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking to add a healthy new ingredient to your diet, this journey through the world of olive oil is not to be missed.

Production of Olive Oil

The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean but today olive groves are planted in many other parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and Australia. Olive trees grow in tropical and subtropical regions, and can be found in areas with warm, dry climates. The olives are not grown in cold areas with heavy snowfalls, as the olive trees are able to tolerate colder temperatures.

In order to produce olive oil, the first step is to cultivate olive trees, the most important step being one of the most time-consuming. Once the olive trees are planted, the olives are harvested. The olives are picked by hand, one by one, and are either left on the tree to ripen or are immediately brought to a mill to be crushed. The olive seeds are removed, and the remaining pulp (the olive flesh) is removed from the shell. The olive pulp is then fermented by bacteria that convert it into oil. 

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

When we think of olive oil, we think of the benefits of the oil. From its early use in ancient civilizations to its current status as a dietary staple and beauty product ingredient, olive oil has come a long way. It has been used for centuries to nourish the body and the mind, and today it’s considered one of the healthiest oils to consume.

Many health benefits of olive oil are attributed to its high monounsaturated fat content and antioxidants, including the presence of phenols that can fight bacterial and viral infections, as well as reduce oxidative stress.

Olive oil is a source of many nutrients important for good health, including antioxidants, vitamins E and K, minerals such as manganese and iron, and natural oils that our bodies can’t produce on their own, like oleic acid, which can help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Which is the Best Type of Olive Oil?

Choosing which olive oil to purchase may be difficult, as there are hundreds of olive oils available. One of the first steps when purchasing olive oil is to decide which type of olive oil you want to purchase. There are three main types of olive oil: virgin olive oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and olive oil. Virgin olive oil is the lowest grade olive oil, and has been minimally processed and may contain some olive pulp. Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest grade olive oil and has been cold- extracted, which means it was not subjected to the high temperature used in the production of refined olive oil. Olive oil is the lowest grade olive oil, and has been further processed with hexane, a neurotoxin that leaves the oil nearly devoid of antioxidants.

How to Store Olive Oil

Different olive oils have different storage needs and can be kept in different places. Virgin olive oil and extra-virgin olive oil can be stored in an opaque container in your refrigerator for up to one year, while olive oil should only be stored in a cool, dark cupboard where it will stay fresh for up to a year. You may want to consider storing olive oil in a dark cupboard where it will be kept out of direct sunlight, as this can accelerate the oxidation of the oil and decrease the shelf life of the oil.

Virgin olive oil has the highest quality and most beneficial compounds, so it’s ideal to store in your fridge, while olive oil can be kept in a cupboard or your pantry. Avoid leaving olive oil in extreme heat or cold, as this can damage the oil and reduce storage time.

When it comes to olive oil, the more you know, the better!

From its earliest archaeological usage to its current status as a dietary staple and beauty product ingredient, olive oil has come a long way. From olive trees to olive oil - discover the history, production, and uses of this versatile oil in your diet.