Nature gave Greece a lot of wealth and the main one, of course, is Greek olive oil. For several millennia of its existence, “Greek liquid gold”, as it is called here, has become a part of Greek culture.
The cultivation of olive trees and olive oil production has been vitally important for the ancient Greeks as for all Mediterranean peoples since time immemorial. Olives and olive oil were eaten, used as cosmetics and paint when creating decorative vases.
The olive branch in Ancient Greece was a symbol of victory and wisdom; the winner of the Olympic Games was decorated with an olive wreath.
Moreover, olive oil in Greece was also used as a medicine. Hippocrates described the positive effect of olive oil on the body and mentioned in his writings about 60 diseases from which olive oil can heal.
Olive Oil in Greek Mythology
In the rich world of Greek mythology, where gods and mortals intertwined in epic tales, one element found its place as a symbol of abundance, purity, and divine favor – the golden elixir known as olive oil. From the sacred groves of Athena to the Olympic ceremonies, olive oil played a central role, transcending its culinary use to become a powerful symbol deeply embedded in the myths and rituals of ancient Greece.
It is reliably known that the Minoans, representatives of the ancient civilization of the Mediterranean, began to produce the very first Greek olive oil. This happened around 4-5 millennia BC. We do not know exactly when and how the ancient Greeks got acquainted with the olive tree. All we have is the myth of a dispute between the god of the sea Poseidon and the goddess of war and wisdom Athena.
The winner was to be the one who would make more useful gifts to the people who settled in the newly built city in Attica.
Poseidon hit the trident on the rock, it split, and in this place a salt spring opened. A horse came out of the water – a symbol of strength and power, an invaluable assistant in the war.
When the turn of Athena came, she stuck a spear into the ground, and it turned into an olive tree – a symbol of peace and a source of food and energy.
So people considered Athena’s gift more important and named the new city in her honor. The olive tree not only provided sustenance but also became a symbol of peace and prosperity.
The Sacred Olive Groves
Olive trees became sacred symbols in ancient Greece, especially in the context of Athena’s worship. The olive groves, often found near temples dedicated to the goddess, were considered sacred spaces. The olives harvested from these groves were used not only for their oil but also in various religious ceremonies.
Olympic Traditions
The significance of olive oil extended to the Olympic Games, a pinnacle of ancient Greek culture. Winners of the Games were not awarded medals but rather wreaths made from olive branches. This tradition not only honored the victors but also symbolized the divine connection to the olive tree, echoing the mythical origins associated with Athena.
Olive Oil as a Symbol of Peace
In addition to its ties with Athena, olive oil was revered as a symbol of peace and goodwill. The practice of offering olive branches as tokens of peace dates back to ancient Greece and has endured through the ages. The expression “extending an olive branch” is a testament to the enduring symbolism of this precious liquid.
Hermes, Messenger of the Gods
Another deity associated with olive oil in Greek mythology is Hermes, the messenger of the gods. In some myths, Hermes is credited with teaching humans the art of oil extraction. His role as a messenger and conduit between the divine and mortal realms further elevated the importance of olive oil in bridging these two worlds.
Ceremonial Anointing
Olive oil was not only esteemed in the context of rituals but also as a substance used in ceremonial anointing. The act of anointing with oil held sacred significance and was often associated with purification, blessings, and divine favor.
The Healing Touch of Olive Oil
In Greek mythology, olive oil was sometimes attributed with healing properties. It was believed to possess the ability to soothe wounds and promote overall well-being. The oil’s association with health and vitality added to its revered status in ancient Greek culture.
Legacy in Art and Literature
The cultural impact of olive oil in Greek mythology transcended stories and rituals, leaving an indelible mark on art and literature. From pottery depicting olive harvests to epic poems extolling the virtues of the olive tree, this magic elixir became a muse for creativity and expression.
A Mythical Legacy Continues
Olive oil’s journey through Greek mythology is a testament to its enduring significance in the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Greece. From the divine origins of the olive tree to its symbolic role in Olympic traditions, olive oil emerged as more than just a culinary commodity—it became a link between mortals and gods, a symbol of peace, wisdom, and prosperity. Today, as we savor the richness of olive oil in our meals, we partake in a tradition that reaches back through the annals of time, honoring the mythical legacy of this liquid gold of the gods.
Greek Olive Oil: Wide Palette of Flavors
Well, legends, myths, and symbols are all great, but let’s come down to earth and try to explore the characteristics of Greek olive oil. Let’s talk about taste.
The taste of Greek olive oil depends on many factors: production technology, region, soil, olive variety and harvest period.
Having traveled around Greece, you will realize how different olive oil can be from different regions. You will be able to see differences in density, taste, aroma and color, which will vary from dark green to bright golden. So here are key Greek olive oil producing regions:
Crete: The largest producer of olive oil in Greece, Crete boasts a Mediterranean climate ideal for olive trees. The most prominent variety is Koroneiki, known for its high polyphenol content and intense fruity flavor. Other notable varieties include Tsounati and Manaki. Cretan olive oils often have a peppery finish and a complex aroma profile.
Peloponnese: This southern peninsula is another major olive oil producer. The Koroneiki variety thrives here as well, but other important olives include Manaki and Athinolia. Peloponnesian oils are often characterized by their fruity and slightly bitter notes.
Lesvos: This Aegean island is renowned for its Valanolia olive, which produces a mild, fruity oil with a delicate flavor.
Other regions: While Crete and the Peloponnese are the leading producers, other regions like Macedonia, Thessaly, and the Ionian Islands also contribute to Greece’s olive oil heritage, each with its own distinct characteristics.
As we have already noticed, one of the best Greek olive oil regions is the island of Lesvos. Here, on rocky hills, olives of the varieties Kolovi, Adramytiani and Latholia grow. An incredibly tasty and aromatic Lesvos Gold Olive Oil Aegean Gold is produced as a blend of these three varieties. In our store, Greek liquid gold from the island of Lesvos is also represented by the best olive oil brands of the Protoulis family: Aegaea and Protoleo.
And one more Greek olive oil region is worth mentioning separately: Makri.
Located in Thrace, the northeastern part of Greece, Makri is a region blessed with a unique microclimate. The combination of humid, salty air from the Aegean Sea and cold northern winds creates exceptional conditions for olive cultivation. Additionally, the area’s specific soil composition contributes to the distinctive character of the olive oil produced here.
The Makri olive variety is indigenous to this region and has been cultivated for millennia. Its resilience to the local climate and its ability to produce high-quality oil have made it a prized asset for local farmers. Here are the key characteristics of Makri olive oil:
Predominantly fruity character: With notes of fresh green olives, green banana, artichoke, and freshly cut grass.
Balanced flavor profile: Spicy tones complement the bitterness, creating a harmonious taste experience.
PDO status: In recognition of its unique qualities and historical significance, Makri olive oil was granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 2018.
The Makri region and its namesake olive variety represent a hidden gem in the world of olive oil. Their combination offers a truly exceptional product with a rich history and a bright future.
Where to buy olive oils from Makri? Of course, we have them here: Kyklopas Premium Selection, Kyklopas Early Harvest and Kyklopas Organic extra virgin olive oils by the Kelidi family are available in our store. Taste and enjoy!
