History of the olive grove: origin and evolution of an ancient tree
Throughout millennia, the olive tree has been a symbol of abundance, peace and prosperity in civilizations of the Mare Nostrum and The history of the olive grove is intrinsically linked to the evolution of these people. Silent witness to the passing of centuries, this crop has left an indelible mark on Mediterranean culture and gastronomy. So much so that one cannot be understood without the other and vice versa. But, How did this legacy begin?
What is the origin of olive trees?
There are olive fossil remains with millions of years dating back to the Pliocene. However, it is estimated that The cultivation of the olive tree as such began more than 6,000 years ago. Thus, the history of the olive grove, known scientifically as Olea europaea, has its roots in the region that extends from the South Caucasus to the coastal area of present-day Syria.
Since then, this tree has played a fundamental role in the food, economy and culture of Mediterranean societies. In fact, it was used by the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Romans and Greeks alike. for gastronomic purposes, as religious, using it as sacred oil; cosmetics, to care for skin and hair, or doctors, for his beneficial properties for the organism.
Who brought olive oil to Spain?
From its cradle, the history of the olive grove It spread hand in hand with the Phoenician civilization to different parts of the world starting in the 16th BC., especially in the Mediterranean regions, where the olive tree found optimal climatic conditions for its development. Así, los cultivos olivareros fueron expandiéndose por las Islas Griegas, Chipre, Creta, Túnez, Italia… En Grecia, por ejemplo, incluso el político Solon carried out a regulation of the planting of olive trees in the 4th century BC.
The same thing happened in Spain. The Phoenicians, a predominantly Mediterranean trading civilization, established trading colonies on the peninsula. They brought with them different crops, including the olive tree, which found in the climatic and geographical conditions of the Iberian Peninsula a favorable environment for its development and expansion.
When does the olive tree arrive in Spain?
It is estimated that This arrival of the olive tree to Spain occurred around the middle of the 11th century BC., during the Phoenician colonization of the Iberian Peninsula. This introduction marked the beginning of a long history of olive groves in Spain, making it the main producer of olive oil in the world. However, this current position in the oleic sector It is also due to the Roman Empire, which promoted the expansion of the olive grove in Spain after the arrival of Scipio, in the 3rd century BC, developing cultivation and production techniques.
Who introduced the olive tree to Andalusia?
As a result of this sum of efforts, Andalusia is today the olive region of the world par excellence, bringing together 80% of the country's production, according to data of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It is not surprising given its relationship with the olive tree. Please note that Those Phoenician colonies were concentrated in southern Spain, so the Andalusian territory was one of the first to receive this crop. Besides, arab civilization, who already had knowledge in growing olive trees, introduced new varieties in southern Spain, participating in the extension of the olive grove through Al'Ándalus.
The terrain and climate, conducive to its development, completed this idyll between the history of the olive grove and Andalusia, where the recipient became an emissary. And, on Columbus's second voyage, which left the Port of Cádiz, olive tree specimens were already shipped to plant in the New World. Speaking of the discoverer, did you know that his son, Hernando Colón, was responsible for the largest olive oil factory in the world between the 16th and 19th centuries? Guess which one it is. Indeed! Hacienda Guzmán.
That's why, We invite you to tour our olive farm, five centuries old, where you can learn about the history of the olive grove first-hand.. Through the different oil tourism itineraries that you have at your disposal, you can visit a world-renowned center for extra virgin olive oil where you can learn about the past, present and future of the olive tree. We are waiting for you!
