The history of olive oil goes back thousands of years and is inextricably linked to the development of civilisations around the Mediterranean. What is today an indispensable ingredient in cooking was once a rare and precious commodity. Olive oil played a central role in food, religion, health and even diplomacy. From Greek temples to Roman bathhouses, olive oil was revered, traded and used daily.
Today you can easily buy a bottle in our online shop, but once liquid gold was reserved for the elite. Over the centuries, it evolved into a symbol of culture and well-being that lives on to this day.
The history of olive oil begins in the fertile areas around the present-day Middle East and eastern Mediterranean. Archaeological finds point to the use of olive oil in Syria, Palestine and on Crete, where the Minoan civilisation cultivated the olive tree and produced oil for its own use as well as for export.
For the ancient Greeks, olive oil was a sacred product, dedicated to the goddess Athena. In Athens olive trees were even protected by law. The Romans built on these traditions and took olive oil production to new heights, particularly in regions such as Puglia, where the climate and soil are perfect for olive growing. Many of the techniques developed then still form the basis of modern production.
Over time, olive oil became important not only in religious and medical contexts, but especially in cooking. The history of olive oil shows how this product grew into one of the pillars of the Mediterranean lifestyle. In countries like Italy, Greece and Spain, olive oil is deeply intertwined with food culture and daily life.
In Puglia, where our olive oil comes from, olive oil is produced by hand from generation to generation. There, it is not only a seasoning but also a cultural heritage. In many families, olive oil is as much part of everyday life as bread or water. It is used in hot dishes, cold preparations, as a base for sauces or simply pure over fresh bread.
What makes the history of olive oil so special is not only its practical application, but also its symbolic value. In many Mediterranean countries, olive oil symbolises peace, purity and prosperity. In religious rituals, it still plays an important role - from Christian baptisms to Jewish Sabbath meals.
This symbolism also lives on in contemporary culture. In some regions, people still give a bottle of olive oil as a gift at births or weddings. It is a tangible expression of good wishes, health and abundance.
The history of olive oil is not a closed chapter, but a living story that continues to evolve. While modern technology refines the production process, traditional values remain intact. Producers like us at L'Oro Verde di Puglia working with respect for the past and an eye to the future. We combine age-old methods with sustainable innovations to deliver the purest quality.
Whether you choose a classic extra virgin olive oil or are looking for an olive oil with a unique flavour, you will always taste the traces of a rich history. It is this connection to the past that makes olive oil so special. It is a product that not only nourishes, but also connects.
Want to know more about our oils or the region they come from? Take a look at our webshop or contact us. You taste time and tradition in every drop.
Dutch Dutch 
English
