In ancient times, the olive was considered a gift from the goddess Athene to the people. Athens' original tree is said to still be found on the Acropolis today. The olive tree is also a symbol of peace in Greek mythology. Thus, during wars and battles, an olive branch was given to the enemy. When it was accepted by the other side, the war was over.
But beyond its symbolic significance, the olive is one of the oldest cultivated plants around the Mediterranean. The tree has been planted since at least 3000 BC. Still today, the olive can be found throughout the Mediterranean and is now also planted in California, South Africa and Australia. Many people are familiar with the use of olive oil in (Mediterranean) cooking. Few know about the unique benefits of using the olive leaf. Read more about it in this newsletter.
Traditional uses of the olive
The olive tree has traditionally been held in high esteem for thousands of years, and not without reason, of course. The Bible and the Koran already reported on special properties of the olive tree. In the Bible, the olive tree symbolises hope. Both olives and olive oil have been used since time immemorial as food, but also as the basis for medicinal ointments, perfume extracts, lamp oil and, long ago, even as currency. Today, olive oil is particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine. Several scientific studies indicate that Mediterranean eating habits are healthier than Western ones. Olive oil is said to play an important role in this.