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EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1993

Samain Oil

OLIVE OIL HISTORY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Majestic in its beauty, mighty against the hardships of nature, the olive tree has its roots deeply implanted in history, with origins dating back to our ancestor that lived in Jordan thousands of years ago.

Civilization after civilization have considered this tree sanctified, they have eaten its fruits as a delicacy, and used its leaves and oil. It was first cultivated in Jordan and Syria around 6000 BC and then moved westwards to reach the new world in which it was introduced by the Spanish settlers in the year 1500AD. According to the Old Testament, it was an olive branch that the dove brought back to Noah which let him know that the land was safe once again. A garland of olive leaves, a symbol of honor was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. Pickled olives were found stored in the ruins of Pompeii..

The Greeks consecrated the tree to Minerva (goddess of wisdom and health). They also considered it together with its oil a symbol of abundance and courage and crowned the victorious athletes in their Olympic games with its leaves. In fact the olive tree was so important that has been mentioned several times in the Iliad, the Odyssey and the Bible.

Throughout the Mediterranean basin, olive oil has been used for thousands of years as a source of youth, beauty and health.

It was blended with herbs and essences to prepare ointments for different therapeutic and cosmetic uses. It was also used for religious purposes. In pre-biblical religions it was consecrated and offered to the gods. Israelites, since the time of Moses, burn it in the lamps of the synagogues and use it to prepare ointments. Orthodox-Christians use it in the holy unction used in ceremonies such as baptism.

Today, Jordan is one of the main producers of olive oil, this latter production is of very high quality due to the ideal growing conditions of the trees (solitude, rocky fields, dry hot summers, and rainy winters) and to the method used to extract the oil. This method has been passed on from father to son in families that have made olives and olive oil their business and way of living.

 

 

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