The story of olive oil begins thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean— places like Greece, Italy, and the Middle East. The olive tree itself is asymbol of peace and endurance, and its oil was once used for more than justcooking. In ancient times, olive oil lit lamps, anointed kings, and played acentral role in trade and religion.

As civilizations spread, so did the olive tree, making its way acrossEurope and eventually into the New World. Today, olives are grown not just inthe Mediterranean, but in California, South America, and even parts ofAustralia.