History and origin of olive oil
Legend has it that the Greek goddess Athena presented Poseidon, god of the sea, the most useful gift for the world. It was an olive branch. And it is that olive oil is and has been One of the most precious products in the history of humanity.
In addition to its food end, olive oil was used in medicine, cosmetics, as well as fuel to illuminate lamps and lamps. Oil was a fundamental product for any home in the past.
Therefore, it is not surprising that today it continues to be an essential food. In this post, we tell you The history and origin of olive oil. a liquid whose origin is completely distant.
Origin of olive oil: Let’s travel to the past
Where does olive oil come from? It is estimated that the production of this oil can be traced to the 12th century BC. In fact, it is believed that the olive tree’s place of origin is North Africa. There, remains of fossilized olive trees have been found from the Paleolithic.
Likewise, we have cave paintings that testify to the presence of olive crops during the Bronze Age In Crete, the Sahara and in the Iberian Peninsula. Without a doubt, olive oil has been present since the beginning of Western society.
In ancient Egypt it was used to embalm mummies. Also, in the Olympics of classical Greece, this product took on a fundamental role: the athletes spread their bodies in oil and as a prize they received an olive crown.
With Rome, this product spread throughout the empire. An important industry was developed, since the oil was a multipurpose product at the time. In fact, the oleum hispanicum (Hispania oil) was considered a luxury item.
On the other hand, the ancient monarchs of Israel were anointed with this liquid gold (it was believed that it provided them with the necessary power to govern), an action that today is still present in British coronations.
actually, The history and origin of olive oil are ancient, but its grounds still last. And if we think about the history and origin of olive oil, Spain will be present -yes or yes- present.
The history of olive oil in Spain
Iberians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans… There are many peoples who have passed through our country. And all of them already knew the wonderful properties of the Olive oil in Spain.
We went ahead a few centuries. Let us now travel to the Middle Ages. Christian kingdoms in the north and a splendid al-Andalus in the south. There, in these Muslim territories, it is where the EVOO becomes more important.
Andalusians of Jaen
haughty olive trees
tell me who
Who raised the olive trees[…]
Miguel Hernandez
For its part, in 1520 the first olive tree arrived in America. The Spaniards decide to bring to the New World one of their most precious products. Today, EVOO is still present in the kitchens of these countries.
both for desserts (be sure to see this recipe for mantecados), as for dressings and sauces (the Green pesto you will love it); going through traditional recipes such as Ajoblanco or the gazpacho. EVOO is essential in the Mediterranean diet.
From the origin of the oil to its most contemporary history
If we talk about the history and origin of olive oil, we cannot ignore the most recent period. at present, Spain, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco and Portugal are the countries with the highest production of olive oil. Mediterranean countries. Outside European territory, it should be noted that the United States and Australia are also producers of liquid gold.
And it is that extra virgin olive oil lays the foundations of our kitchen. Unlike our northern neighbors, we opted for vegetable and non-animal fats for cooking.
For this reason, Betting on a quality EVOO is so important. Because this product will be the basis of our daily diet. On Beloleum We have up to 3 different varieties of extra virgin olive oil: selection, , IMPLERT or Arbequina. Choose the one you like the most!
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