The History of Olives and EVOO Oil: How Did It Start?

Did you know that olive oil has been consumed for over 3,000 years? Yes, this product has been consumed for a long time. During all this time, EVOO oil has been valued for its health benefits and exquisite flavor. Let us talk about the history of this nectar of the gods.

Before talking about its history, it is worth thinking about what it means to consume a product from more than 3,000 years ago. Imagine today, many products come onto the market and are marketed as the best of the best. But a few years later, the fame of that product disappeared, or worse, it was found that this product is terrible for health. What does this tell us about olive oil? Despite the years and years that have passed since its consumption, its fame does not disappear, and every day scientists discover more benefits of consuming it.

As we will see later, despite such extensive history, the most common use of extra virgin olive oil has not significantly changed since its origins. Health, cooking, and beauty are the most enduring motivators behind our devotion to this "liquid gold."

But how did the best olive oil begin to be consumed? And what has been discovered about it since its origins?

EVOO: Where did it begin?

Our love relationship with EVOO oil and the cultivation of olive trees dates to ancient Persia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt (They are still fighting about who was the originator). The oil extracted from the olive tree has been a vital source of nutrition and flavor for centuries. Only a few foods have endured such worldwide popularity as extra virgin olive oil. For many, it is hard to imagine a time when a bottle of the best olive oil was not a permanent staple in our kitchen.

It is fascinating that the straightforward process of obtaining olive oil has remained almost the same for thousands of years. A historian explains that EVOO has been "valued through the ages for food, fuel, salve, and sacrament." And then, she adds that today "the olive's liquid gold remains unsurpassed among oils."

Unlike gold, however, olive oil is as varied as wine. Worldwide, there are more than a billion olive trees under cultivation. And olive experts have classified some 680 different varieties of olives. Apart from the difference in the olive variety, such factors as the weather, the harvest date (ranging from November to February), the soil, and the extraction process influence the oil's unique flavor, color, and aroma.

Olive oil for cooking through history

There is a rich and varied history of EVOO foods being used as a staple cooking ingredient in many cultures and periods. EVOO oil is one of the earliest oils used in cooking.

Extra virgin olive oil was used in both uncooked and cooked dishes. Different meats were generously oiled before and after cooking. For example, a favorite cake in Roman times was called vatica, which contained only flour, salt, and extra virgin olive oil. On the other hand, the ancient Greeks invented salad dressing consisting of extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and honey.

One culture that uses olive oil the most is the Mediterranean culture. Mediterranean cuisine has depended on EVOO for centuries to enhance the flavor of many traditional dishes. They use it when marinating, frying, or seasoning food. As an expert chef says, "a product that has been consumed for 4,000 years must be good".

The Mediterranean climate favors the cultivation of olive trees. Travelers will notice hillsides covered with olive trees in Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey. About 95% of olive oil produced in the world comes from the Mediterranean basin.

In recent history, the olive and its derivative oils have spread to North and South America, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. For example, California olive oil holds one of the highest standards in the world for extra virgin olive oil and the quality of its product.

What Makes EVOO So Special?

Certified olive oil remains a pantry staple as many recipes depend on it. Extra virgin olive oil has been identified over time as having a superior taste due to being derived by cold mechanical extraction without using solvents or refining methods.

Recent studies have been made on the Mediterranean Diet and the phytonutrient composition of extra virgin olive oil. What has been discovered is an extensive list of phytonutrients; one of the most praised is its fame as high polyphenol olive oil . The high number of polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil is unique!

Researchers have long noticed that people who follow a traditional Mediterranean diet enjoy significant health benefits. Recently, nutritionists and scientists organized an international conference on the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. They concluded that the Mediterranean diet, including virgin olive oil, is compatible with a healthier, longer life. A diet rich in pure olive oil may help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.

There are many reasons for these health benefits. One of them is the elevated level of oleic acid (up to 80 percent) found in olive oil, which positively affects the circulatory system. Furthermore, the absence of chemicals and preservatives means that pure olive oil retains the vitamins, healthy fats, and other natural ingredients of the ripe fruit.

Because of the antioxidant capacity of its components, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, olive oil also protects and tones the skin. No wonder ancient Romans and Greeks used olive oil enriched with herbs for cleaning and moisturizing the skin. And in the sixth century, French artisans started to make soaps from olive oil, mixing the oil with ashes from sea plants.

Are you benefiting from this "liquid gold"?

EVOO oil has passed the test of time, and millions of people enjoy its taste and many benefits. There is no doubt: this "liquid gold" can improve your health, soothe your skin, and enhance your food. Are you already benefiting from it?

We Olive has a wide variety of olive oils and other fantastic products. We are sure you will not regret it once you taste high-quality EVOO. If you have any questions about our EVOO products, please email us at info@weolive.com or call us at 805 238 2900. You can also visit the olive oil stores near me section for more information about our specialized stores.