I am often asked where my passion for olive oil comes from, and I must admit it was love at first bite. I was little when I tasted my first olive: that most delicious taste, that most unique texture, that most perfect size…
It is true, I have always loved olives and olive oil. I grew up in an Andalusian family from Jaén, where olives and olive oil held a central place. I remember my grandfather, who had an olive grove: I admired the love and care with which he tended his olive trees. It was he who passed on to me this love for this ancient tree.
Very few cultivated plants are as ancient and as steeped in myth as the olive tree. The health benefits of olive oil have been known since antiquity. The Phoenicians introduced olive cultivation to Spain around 1100 BC. Yet, it was not until 206 BC, after the Roman conquest of Hispania, that olive production began to gain importance. Hippocrates recommended olive oil for bronchitis and fatigue. In antiquity, Olympic victors received crowns of olive branches instead of medals.
After the Last Supper, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, an olive grove located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem. It is believed that some of the trees that are still there today already lined the path of Jesus and his disciples.
I must admit that I do not use olive oil in moderation: I put it everywhere. It is my passion.
My love for olive oil has driven me to take an increasing interest in it. I think that the history of Western civilization reflects that of the olive tree, whether in trade, health and medicine, beauty, rituals, or cuisine.
In fact, no other plant, with the possible exception of the vine, is surrounded by so much tradition, romance, and mysticism as ancient olive groves.