The Sacred Olive Tree

The olive tree has been present on Earth since time immemorial, it is truly a special, almost miraculous tree. It can live over a thousand years.  It is almost immortal -   shoots can sprout in an old tree, after hundreds of years. The olive tree grows on sparse soil, almost without water, with plenty of sun. Evergreen olive leaves are renewed every three years, they bear fruit after seven, and the highest yield after twenty years.

Olives are considered to be one of the oldest foods known.  Archaeologists have found seeds in caves; more than 9,000 years old. The first trees were cultivated  5-6 thousand years ago in the area of ​​Mesopotamia, Syria and Palestine, from where the olive spread through the Mediterranean. As one of the oldest and most important plant cultures, it strongly marked the lives of people and became a symbol of the area.

 The olive was brought to the area of ​​ancient Greece by merchants, Phoenicians and Egyptians, and archaeological research shows that the first trees planted in Crete were around 3,000 BC. A thousand years later, organized cultivation and trade began, and the olive tree became one of the most important agricultural crops, with an equally important role in people's daily lives and the overall development of Greek civilization and the Roman Empire.

 Olives played an important role in the development of many civilizations, nutrition, medicine, economics, mythology, religion, and the arts. The olive become a valued part of the diet, it was traded and paid for, it was used in healing and beauty regimes.

The olive tree was highly valued in many cultures and had many symbolic meanings becoming a symbol of peace, life, abundance, eternity, health, learning & wisdom.

The olive tree is a mythical tree according to tradition it was created by the gods.  In Egypt, its creation is attributed to the goddess Isis, in Mesopotamia it is claimed that it was created by the god Ishtar, and it was also a symbol of the Etruscan god Turan.

 In Greek mythology, the first olive tree was created by Athena the goddess of wisdom.

In ancient Greece, olives were so important that according to Solon's code it was forbidden to cut down more than two trees a year per olive grove, and anyone who disobeyed or destroyed the tree for no reason could be punished by confiscation of property, expelled or even sentenced to death.  Olive oil, which Homer called "liquid gold," also served to preserve health and beauty, embalm dead bodies, and was offered as a gift to the gods and the dead. In everyday life, oil was also used as a source of light in oil lamps, a means of lubricating tools, and from the hard and solid wood of the olive tree, handles for axes and other tools, furniture, but also weapons were made.

 The importance of the olive, its origin and cultivation have been discussed and written by many Greek philosophers, historians and physicians. Hippocrates prescribed olive oil for more than sixty different diseases and health problems. Olives also played an important role in the lives of ancient warriors and athletes. Athletes applied the oil before training & competition. Winners of the Olympic Games & successful military leaders, wore olive wreaths on their heads. The winners of sports competitions were awarded with olive wreaths, & amphorae full of olive oil.

 In ancient times olive groves spoke about the wealth of their owners.  Olive oil was the most valuable commodity in ancient times, the trade and export of oil were so developed that ships were built only for this purpose. Oil amphorae were also the first certified product in the history of trade.

 The Etruscans and Romans recognized the value of the olive tree and systematically began to raise new plantations and expand the olive oil trade throughout the Roman Empire. During this period, olive growing reached its maximum development, presses and mills were built, amphora factories. There were olive studies and manuals (Res Rusticae,by Marcus Terentius Varro)
(116 BCE – 27 BCE) which included all the elements that are still the foundation on which modern olive oil is produced.

 After the fall of the Roman Empire the olive oil trade fell and all production remained in the hands of small producers who then opted for new crops.

 In the Middle Ages, religious congregations continued the  preservation of olive groves and the maintenance of surviving plantations.

 The olive is also mentioned in the Bible. An angel announcing to Mary the birth of a son holds in his hand an olive branch, a symbol of purity.

People welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, with olive branches, symbols of glory and peace, he spent the last hours of his life in an olive grove on the Mount of Olives.

 Because of its  resilience the olive tree is a symbol of strength, fidelity & loyalty.

Today thousands of olive varieties are known throughout the world and most are grown in the Mediterranean, varieties that ancient authors listed in their works only the Croatian Orkula -Oblica managed to survive.

Croatia has a significant number of indigenous olive varieties that have been recognized at numerous international competitions.  There are 31 autochthonous olive varieties and 44 introduced varieties.

Croatian Orkula- Oblica is the most widespread variety in Croatia.  It is considered an autochthonous and the oldest Dalmatian variety, it is grown in all regions in Croatia where olives thrive. It has been transferred globally and grows in South Africa, Australia, California and China.

OBLICA-The most widespread Croatian variety grown on the entire coast, makes up about 60% of the total assortment of olives. The oil is light, sweet, & mainly used for seafood specialties.

LASTOVKA -mostly grows on the island of Korcula, One of the oiliest varieties. High quality oil with strong bitterness.

DROBNICA-a variety of mostly old olive groves produces a distinct spicy oil.

LEVANTINKA- mostly grows on the island of Solta. Sweet tasting oil.

PLOMINKA - mostly grows in the area of ​​Cres, Krk and Istria.

BUŽA-The most widespread domestic variety in Istria.  the oil has a pronounced sweetness

ISTRIAN WHITE-It is most widespread in Istria and Kvarner. The oil has moderate bitterness.

DUŽICA- most famous table variety in Croatia.

Olive growing In the Mediterranean is one of the most important agricultural branches and is the foundation of a healthy Mediterranean diet.

 Olive Leaf, Use & Benefits

Oleuropein the active ingredient found in green olives and olive leaf has  antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti inflammatory properties.

 Olive leaf extract is traditionally used for the relief of symptoms of cold & flu, sore throat, fever coughs & acne.

Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K &omega 3 fats-monounsaturated fatty acids with numerous claims that it supports a healthy cardiovascular system &   normalizes blood pressure.

 Olive leaf extract helps to slow the production of melanin and stops skin tissue from breaking down. Prolongs the skin cells to stay healthy by slowing the appearance of aging. Purifies and nourishes the skin, calms irritation and redness, repairing sun damage. Hydrates, enhances circulation and stimulates growth of new cells.