Homer called it "liquid gold".

Olive oil is not mere food to the peoples of the Mediterranean.  Olive oil has long been treasured for its medicinal and wondrous effects.

The olive tree has long served as a symbol of abundance, glory and peace.  Its leafy branches were used to crown the victorious in friendly games and bloody war, and the oil of its fruit has anointed the noblest of heads throughout history.

No place on Earth has the claim to olive oil like Crete, Greece.  Beginning in 5000 B.C. and until 1400 B.C., olive cultivation spread from Crete to Syria, Palestine, Israel, Southern Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt.  Until 1500 B.C., Greece was the world's most heavily cultivated area with rich olive groves.

With the expansion of the Ancient Greek colonies, cultivation of the olive reached Southern Italy, Northern Africa and Southern France.  Under Roman rule, olive trees were planted in the entire Mediterranean basin.

Olive trees dominated the rocky Greek countryside and became pillars of early Hellenic society.  They were so sacred that those who cut one down were condemned to death or exile.

In ancient Greece and Rome, olive oil was a valuable commodity.  The belief that olive oil conferred strength, youth and slowed down the aging process was widespread.

Olive trees have an almost titanic resistance, a vital force which renders them nearly immortal.  Despite harsh winters and burning summers, they continue to grow, proud and strong reaching towards the sky, bearing fruit that nourishes, heals, inspires and amazes.