The Journal
Olive Oil History, Myth & Craft
The stories behind the grove — where the olive came from, what it meant to the ancient world, and how to tell real extra-virgin olive oil from the rest.
History & Myth
Athena's Olive Tree: The Myth That Made Olive Oil Sacred
How a contest between two gods on the Acropolis gave the olive its sacred status — and the branch its meaning.
Read the story →
The Kotinos: The Olympic Crown Made of Wild Olive
The only prize at the ancient Olympics was a wreath of leaves — and that was the point.
Read the story →
Hippocrates & Olive Oil: Medicine's First Ingredient
In the oldest Greek medical texts, olive oil is the ingredient that turns up on almost every page.
Read the story →