EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

The three images above are ideograms depicting the olive tree (left), its crop (centre) and olive oil (right). These ideograms were found in Linear A and B tablets and are proof that the Minoans used olive oil and olives as part of their diet as far back as 1800 BC.

Click on the tabs below to read about the olive tree in Greek mythology, the origins of the olive tree, the olive tree in Cretan and Greek history, olive oil categories and Cretan olive oil: The best olive oil in the world - Nutritional value, Quality and Consumption.

The olive tree in Greek mythology

According to Greek mythology, the daughter of Zeus, Athena, Goddess of Wisdom who was born on the shores of river Triton in Crete, planted the first olive tree on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis therefore offering it to humanity as a symbol of peace, wisdom and prosperity. By doing so, she won the contest against God Poseidon and had the most powerful ancient Greek city named "Athena" (Athens) in her honour. At the same time she also became the protector of the city.


The origins of the olive tree

The olive tree was believed to have first made its appearance in the third millenium BC in the Middle East and consequently spread throughout the Aegean Islands, Greece and other Mediterranean regions. However, new fossil findings of olive tree leaves (Olea Europea) dating back 50 to 60 thousand years were discovered by Professor E. Velitzelos along strata of the volcanic crater in Santorini (Thera). Later, on the island of Nisyros, more such findings proved its indigenous existence in the greater region of the Aegean thousands of years ago.
It is thought that the first inhabitants of Crete, aside from other crops, occasionally collected and ate the fruit of the wild olive tree (Olea oleaster), from as far back as the Neolithic Period (6000-3000 BC).

The olive tree in Cretan and Greek history

In ancient Cretan history, many archaeological finds, including the ideograms mentioned above and a bowl of olives (1450 BC) found in a well in the palace of Zakros, Eastern Crete, bear testimony to the dominant position of olives and olive oil in Minoan Crete and their heavy use in everyday life. Wall-paintings, tools, storage devices, installations and inscriptions serve as proof of the importance placed by the Minoans on the production, storage and merchandising of olive oil. Aside from the very important position that olives and olive oil had on the Minoan Cretan table, Olive oil also had many other uses including as a cosmetic (fragranced or not), a body ointment, a therapeutic substance, a lubricant, fuel for lamps and it was also used during religious ceremonies.

In later centuries, between 700 - 400 B.C, the olive and olive-oil acquired a special importance all over Greece. Philosophers Anaxagoras and Empedocles investigated the history of the olive tree, Aristotle described its cultivation, Solon legislated its protection and Plato taught in its shade. As a matter of fact, the olive tree was so important that the Olympic Games winners were crowned with a wreath made of olive tree branches. In the Athens 2004 games, in addition to their medals, the winners also got olive branches to wear on their heads. It is important to note that the emblem of the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, was an olive branch wreath and that the olive leaf was the inspiration for the design of the Olympic torch.
Cretan olive oil: The best olive oil in the world - Nutritional value
In the end of the 1950's, when American nutrition experts came to Crete to investigate the causes that were responsible for the longevity of Cretans, they could not believe their eyes! "My God, how much oil do you use?!!" exclaimed Dr. Ancel Keys, as he was looking at a plate of green salad virtually floating in olive oil. In fact, Dr. Keys' observation was similar to observations made centuries earlier by travellers from other regions of the world, who were also interested in scrutinizing the daily life and habits of Cretans.
Today it is believed that the secret for a long and healthy life lies in olive oil, the principal ingredient of Cretan diet. Past and present research conducted in the USA and Europe supports the view that olive oil not only shields the human heart from diseases, but also increases the good operation of other organs and protects the human organism from a long list of diseases. For one thing, it reduces cholesterol 3; it has excellent antioxidant properties and wards off many forms of cancer; in addition, it supports the operation of liver and is ideal for those people suffering from diabetes and other diseases.
Cretan olive oil: The best olive oil in the world - Quality
The quality of Cretan extra virgin olive oil enjoys a world-wide reputation and recognition by international organizations, leading scientists and specialist tasters. It has won numerous prestigious, official international awards in contests and tastings throughout the world. Aside from the awards, in practical terms, Cretan olive oil quality is demonstrated by the demand for it from all major international markets and in particular the Italian market which absorbs the great majority of the Cretan olive oil production in order supplement their own.
The reason behind this recognition is that it’s not an industrial but a natural product produced solely by crushing the olive fruit and therefore it does not contain any preservatives or chemical additives. Its excellent organoleptic characteristics, in other words the unparalleled flavour and exceptional aroma of Cretan olive oil, is certainly due to the high levels of sunshine and the dry climate which prevails in most areas of the island, particularly during the autumn and winter period when the oil is formed in the fruit. Moreover, the olive trees are cultivated with love, care and respect for tradition. Proper and rapid harvesting along with the shortening of the time period between harvesting and pressing (it has reached just 1-2 days) and the high conditions of cleanliness of the olive fruit from the olive plantation to the olive press are also considered to be important factors which contribute decisively to the extremely high quality.

The result is that quite a large percentage (approximately 95%) of Cretan olive oil is of the highest quality and is labelled as "Extra Virgin" while the corresponding figures from other olive oil producing countries are considerably lower.

Cretan olive oil: The best olive oil in the world - Consumption

When it comes to olive oil consumption, Greeks, and in particular Cretans, having ascertained the numerous beneficial properties of oil, have traditionally consumed large quantities. At 20kg/person per year, national average consumption is the highest in the world. In Crete, at 25kg/person, olive oil consumption is even higher. These indicators are considerably higher than corresponding ones from other countries, even olive oil producers.