The world’s biggest olive oil production comes from the Mediterranean region with the heaviest hitters Greece, Italy and Spain. These three countries have been cultivating the olive tree for thousands of years. It appeared and settled in Mediterranean because of the perfect climate for its cultivation.
Experts assume that the olive tree goes back 7,000 years BC and scientists are not sure about its exact age. This phenomenal tree gives us the most valuable fruit with its wonderful juice.
The best quality of olive oil is the extra virgin olive oil, with Greece being the leader of that quality. Greek extra virgin olive oil is the best in the world, but when it leaves Greece to enter the world markets, sometimes it gets blended with other oils and loses its virginity.
How unhappy that makes the olive tree, which has the reputation of perfection and superiority.
Studies of researchers have proven time and time again that this eminent miracle of nature has countless health benefits.
Homer the author of Iliad and Odyssey, referred to the olive oil as “liquid gold.” The Spartans rubbed their bodies with it to look sexier and erotic.
In the mythological era, the olive oil, olives and olive tree were symbols of abundance, prosperity, glory, peace and honor.
The olive tree’s lifespan is measured in centuries and sometimes surpasses a millennium. Its roots are getting very deep into the ground and that guarantees its endurance to drought and heavy winds.
It is magic, in the harvesting of the olives and the hand picking method is the best. Spending a few days in the olive orchard during the harvesting time, is magical.
The olives picked at the right stage of ripeness and pressed immediately, produce the best quality of extra virgin olive oil. This particular olive oil prevents cancer by reducing oxidative damage done to DNA. The plenitude of antioxidants has a protective effect against heart disease, lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol.