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For thousands of years the olive tree has been recognised for its many uses in Mediterranean countries. The Olive and Olive oil were consumed; the leaves and oil had therapeutic powers and were also used as incense. The wood is excellent for fuel and straight shoots make excellent sticks. To this day, Cypriots will use Olive oil on the scalp to strengthen the hair and rub it on the body to alleviate aches and pains.
The Cypriots and the people of the Mediterranean in general have always believed Olive oil to be responsible for the good health and longevity of the people who consume it. Medical studies conducted in Europe and the US show that this natural product is the key to good health and vitality and helps keep the heart strong.
The staple diet of Cyprus has always been pulses, beans and lentils and salads and pasta eaten with plenty of olive oil. Nowadays it has been recognised that these are nutritionally beneficial to any diet.
The olive tree to Cyprus can be traced back to Neolithic times. It is widely believed that the origin of the Olive (Olea europaea) came from the region of Iran and the coast of Syria and Palestine; other opinions are that it originated around the north shore of the Black Sea.
The olive tree and its produce have for centuries played a significant role in the nutrition, economy, religious ceremonies, habits and customs of the Cypriots. According to Ancient Greek and Roman writings, the olive tree along with the Carob tree and the vine tree, were the main characteristic of the Rural Areas in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
The Olive tree is one of my favourite trees, full of character and history. If you have the chance, just stand a look at an old olive tree in particular, it has its own story to tell. In Cyprus there are many old olive trees to study, whether you are in town or country you will get the chance to contemplate the shape and character of a very majestic tree.
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