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.
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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.
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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.
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Choosing Olive Oil: Seven Questions to Ask
Useful questions about an olive oil’s origin and evidence, before you buy.
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Photography
The Gallery
The grove itself, Ancient Elis and Olympia nearby, and the road to Sparta where every harvest is shipped. All our own photographs.
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