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Olive Tree: History, Cultivation, Applications and More
In the Cordoba subbetica we are surrounded by olive trees, it is part of our usual panorama and the inhabitants of the area have these views so normalized that we do not pay attention to it and it does not generate special curiosity. But... do we really know so much about this tree that accompanies us generation after generation? If you are curious and want to know a little more, read on!
Origin and history of the olive tree
It is estimated that olive cultivation began more than 6,000 years ago, with roots in the region from the southern Caucasus to the Mediterranean area of Syria and Palestine.
Since then, this tree has been a fundamental pillar in the food, economy and culture of Mediterranean societies. Ancient civilizations not only used olive oil as food, but also as fuel to light temples and homes, in cosmetics and personal care, as well as in medicine and religious rituals.
The olive tree was not only valuable for its fruit; it also symbolized immortality, life, victory, fertility and peace, as its origin was believed to be linked to the gods. Its wood, equally prized, was used to carve statues of deities, scepters of kings and sacred instruments of the priests.
In addition, olive oil played a key role in food preservation at a time when preservation techniques were limited, making it an essential resource for daily life.
Botanical characteristics of the olive tree
The scientific name of the olive tree is Olea europaea, it is a very long-lived tree and can be productive for hundreds of years. Its size is medium and although it varies depending on the variety and growing conditions, it can range from 4 to 8 meters in height.
The shape of the canopy is rounded and the natural tendency of the species is to produce a dense canopy, although common pruning practices allow it to be thinned to favor light penetration.
Its roots are an extensive and deep root system that has the ability to adapt to dry and poor soils.
Its trunk is twisted and rough with grayish bark, it can develop irregular shapes with age.
Its branches are irregular and gnarled and the shape of its leaves can vary depending on the variety of olive tree, although in all varieties they are perennial and lanceolate. They are perfectly adapted to reduce water loss in dry climates.
They are slow-growing trees but extremely long-lived, with a life span of over 1000 years. They are great survivors as they resist poor soils, arid climates, drought and high temperatures.
Olive cultivation
The care and cultivation of the olive tree is key to ensure a good production of olives. In Aceites la Muralla we are proud to produce an EVOO from long-lived olive trees, many times centenarians, thus favoring the small farmer and the rural economy.
These olive tree plantations that have been inherited from generation to generation are cared for differently from intensive plantations. We must take into account that these plantations do not have irrigation systems, so olive production depends largely on climate and soil type.
Ideal climate and soils for cultivation
The best climate for the olive grove is the Mediterranean climate, the optimum would be between 15 and 25 degrees, although the olive tree tolerates very well temperatures up to 40 degrees in summer and can resist up to 10 degrees below zero in winter, although these extreme temperatures damage flowers and fruits. If you are curious about this topic you can learn more in our blog Flor del Olivo
It resists great droughts, but rainfall greatly influences the production of olives. It needs many hours of sun and resists strong winds, although during flowering it can affect pollination.
Uses and applications
The uses and applications of both the olive tree and the olives are very numerous, we will tell you about them below.
Olive oil production
The production of olive oil is a process that combines tradition and technology. The olive tree (Olea europaea) produces olives that are harvested in autumn or winter, depending on the type of oil desired.
If we want to obtain a premium oil, we must harvest our olives in autumn, ensuring that their ripening stage is not too advanced. In this way, we will sacrifice quantity for quality, as the amount of oil stored in these olives is lower than in the veraison stage, which occurs approximately a month later. However, numerous studies show that the polyphenol content is higher at this stage. It is precisely at this moment that we harvest the olives used to produce our premium EVOO iOliva.
If we want to obtain a high-quality EVOO, but without the characteristics of a premium oil, we will harvest our olives during veraison, which is the moment when they store the highest amount of oil.
Olive production
t may be obvious, but to produce oil, we first need to produce olives. In oil production, the quantity and quality of the raw material is a fundamental factor. Since it is such a pure product with no additives, we depend directly on the fruit.
The production of olives consists of several phases. First comes budding, when the first shoots and new leaves appear.
Next is the flowering process, during which the olive tree produces small white flowers that, through pollination, will develop into fruit.
The following step is fruit set, where only a small percentage of flowers turn into olives.
Finally, the fruit growth and ripening stage occurs, during which the olives increase in size and accumulate oil. During veraison, they change color, reaching their optimal ripeness.
Other olive products
The olive tree is valuable not only for its oil but also for producing a variety of products with applications in food, cosmetics, medicine, and energy.
For example, in the food sector, it also produces table olives, a highly consumed product in Spain.
Derivatives of the olive tree are also used in the cosmetics industry in products such as soaps and creams.
Its medicinal properties are also noteworthy. For example, olive leaf extract, used in infusions and supplements, is highly valued for its antioxidant content.
In the energy and biofuels sector, it also plays an important role, as the waste generated during oil production is converted into biomass, serving as a source of energy.
Finally, one of the lesser-known applications of the olive tree is in craftsmanship and decoration. There are true works of art made from olive wood.
Curiosities of this tree
Finally, we want to share some curiosities about the olive tree, a millennia-old tree full of history, tradition, and symbolism. Since ancient times, it has been considered a symbol of peace, wisdom, and prosperity, playing a key role in numerous civilizations, from the Egyptians and Greeks to the present day.
In addition to its importance in food, olive oil has been a natural remedy in households for generations. Our grandmothers used it to relieve ailments, hydrate the skin, strengthen hair, and even as a base for medicinal ointments when there were not as many medicines as today. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, healing, and antioxidant properties, it has been an essential ally for health and well-being.
Today, science has confirmed many of these traditional uses, highlighting extra virgin olive oil as a key pillar of the Mediterranean diet and an ingredient with multiple benefits for the body. More than just a food, the olive tree remains a legacy of health and culture that has endured through the centuries.
