The History of Olive Oil

For over 6,000 years, olive oil has been more than just a culinary ingredient, it has been a symbol of civilisation, wealth, and wellness. Across continents and centuries, it has shaped economies, inspired traditions, and played a vital role in daily life. This golden elixir has stood the test of time, carrying with it a story of resilience, ingenuity, and deep cultural significance.

The History of Olive Oil: A Gift from the Ancients

The origins of olive oil trace back to the eastern Mediterranean, where wild olive trees were first cultivated by early civilisations. The ancient Minoans of Crete were among the first to press olives for their oil, using it in cooking, religious ceremonies, and even as skincare. The oil quickly became a prized commodity, spreading through Egypt, Phoenicia, and Mesopotamia before reaching the great empires of Greece and Rome.

The Greeks revered olive oil, considering it a gift from the goddess Athena. Victors of the Olympic Games were crowned with olive wreaths, and amphorae filled with the finest oils were given as prizes. Meanwhile, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, documented over 60 medicinal uses for olive oil, from healing wounds to soothing sore muscles.

The Roman Revolution: Olive Oil as a Global Commodity

It was the Romans who transformed olive oil from a luxury into a widespread essential. They developed sophisticated farming techniques, classified oils by quality, and built vast networks of production. Large estates in Spain, Italy, and North Africa became major suppliers, feeding the growing demand across the empire. Roman presses and mills refined extraction methods, producing high-quality oil that was used for everything from cooking and lighting lamps to perfumes and medicine.

Olive oil became so valuable that it was used as currency, with tax payments often made in oil rather than gold or silver. The Romans even created the first “olive oil stock market”, where merchants traded oil based on quality, region, and production yield.

The Medieval Era: Survival Through the Ages

After the fall of Rome, olive oil production declined, but monasteries across Europe safeguarded the knowledge, keeping cultivation alive. In Moorish Spain and the Byzantine Empire, olive groves flourished, ensuring that olive oil remained central to Mediterranean life.

By the Renaissance, olive oil regained its status as a premium product. Italian and Spanish producers refined techniques, and demand surged as global trade routes expanded. With the Age of Exploration, olive trees were carried across oceans, finding new homes in South America, California, and Australia.

The Science of Excellence: What Makes Olive Oil So Special?

Beyond its rich history, olive oil is unique in its chemical composition and health benefits. Unlike other vegetable oils, it is:

• Rich in Monounsaturated Fats, promoting heart health.

• Packed with Polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation.

• Naturally Preserved, requiring no artificial processing.

A true Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is defined by its low acidity, cold-pressed extraction, and exceptional taste profile, capturing the essence of the land where it was grown.

A Legacy That Endures

Today, olive oil remains a cornerstone of culture and cuisine, enjoyed in kitchens and revered by chefs worldwide. It continues to be produced with a balance of tradition and innovation, ensuring its legacy thrives for future generations.

From the sacred groves of ancient Greece to the rolling hills of modern-day farms, olive oil’s journey is a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and our enduring connection to the land. Every drop carries thousands of years of history - an unbroken chain linking past, present, and future.