Israel has been making olive oil for centuries, when you travel the country, you are sure to see the remnants of giant stone olive presses in many locations and archeological digs. Olives have been a staple in the Holy Land since long before the Hebrews biblically reached this land and made it their home. And the superior quality of the oil made it the best choice for lighting the Menorah in the Holy Temple, a task that isn't lightly given.
Olive oil is not only useful for lighting, however. It has long been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and these extra virgin olive oils that we sell are made for that purpose. High-quality fresh olive oil, grown and pressed on Israeli soil, these wonderful varieties of oil are a delightfully flavorful and quite healthful way to season your food the Israeli way. Each type is made from a different type of olive and has a slightly different fragrance or flavor, although they are all quite delectable. Enjoy the olive oil in your Israeli salad, atop hummus, with zaatar, or use it for your own preferred foods. These wonderful products of the earth are fragrant and delicious in any context.
Israeli olive oil is unique in both its history and flavor, as, much like with wine, the earth the olive tree is grown in lends it a certain flavor profile. Israeli soil is the perfect type of ground for growing olives. Indeed, they grow entirely on their own in nature in some areas in the Holy Land. And the fruit produced here on the branches of the olive trees has a wonderful texture and richness paired with an earthy aroma.
Several types of olives are used in these olive oils, the trees originating in various locations. In addition to the local Israeli variant of olive, you can also enjoy the oil of Syrian olives, Koroneiki (Greek) olives, Picual (Spanish) olives, and Arbequina (Catalonia) olives. The different types of olives make oils that taste uniquely different. You can experiment and find out what your favorite type is, or use them all, pairing them with the foods they suit best. All of the oils are made in Israel, regardless of the origin country of the olive variant.
Israeli olive oil is both delicious and meaningful. The history and biblical significance of Israeli olive oil mean that in addition to being a great seasoning and a wonderful addition to your pantry, Israeli olive oil is also treasured and used in ritual as well as for lighting on special occasions and holidays. If you want to bring the unique history of the Holy Land to your home, this is one good way to start.
Israeli olive oil is one of the pride and joys of the land of Israel, and as such makes a terrific gift to any Israel lover, whether for religious or ritual uses or simply as an ingredient for their food, elevating it and making it both more tasty and more full of history and culture.
