The History of Olives

The olive tree symbolizes peace and wisdom all over the world. It is more than 14,000 years old. It is part of the oleaceous fruit family—like the ash or the lilac. The first signs of the wild olive tree date back to more than 14,000 years ago in Asia Minor. Archaeological digs have prompted some historians to believe that the culture of the olive dates back 5000 to 3000 years, before our era, in Crete.

In ancient times the tree was already considered holy.

The olive is also the primary fruit associated with the oldest culinary tradition—the Mediterranean culinary tradition. Throughout the history of the Mediterranean, it is mentioned in countless works of Greek literature.

The dove that flew from Noah's Ark to scout the land returned with a fresh olive branch in its beak, confirming that the water had drawn back from the surface of the Earth. The olive tree was the first tree to grow after the flood.

Olive-growing and the extraction of olive oil have been traced back to Crete, at the time of King Minos. The oldest document relating to it was written on clay tablets 2500 years BC. References were made to the various types of olive oil, the transport of it, and its many uses.

The extension of olive tree cultivation to the Bronze Age improved the diet of the Greeks. It was also burned as a source of light. The olive tree had become a fundamental part of Greek civilisation. When the Greeks founded cities on the Mediterranean rim in the 7th and 8th century BC, they brought with them a taste for this developing culture. That is how the olive trees spread to Italy, France, especially to Provence through the Phoenicians who founded Marseilles in 600 BC.

With the period of the Great Discoveries, followed by Colonization, it found its way through the Straits of Gibraltar, reaching California, Mexico, Chile, South Africa and Australia.

It is often said that an olive tree will keep every generation of a family busy: the first will deal with planting, the second with maintenance and the others with harvesting! Others even say that the olive tree is eternal. There is no doubt that it lives an exceptionally long period of time, perhaps for thousands of years!

Shop The Olive Hut! The Olive Hut features an excellent assortment of olives, olive oils, olive products, nuts, fresh produce, and specialty items.

Be certain to check out our Free Recipes!

- Scott Patton

Now, for some olive entertainment! This is Glass Olives Volume 1 and some incredible skateboarding. Enjoy!