Submitted by Potagekempcc. "A wonderful presentation of Greek Olives, Hot Greek Peppers, Marinated Mushrooms and Cherry tomatoes. Add these to Antipasto Salad or serve as a side dish."

While olives and olive oil may not originate in Greece, it still has a rich history there. The ancient Greeks used olive oil not only in their cooking, but in many other facets of their lives -their sports, health, in rituals, and as a status symbol. The olive tree and its fruit were considered sacred.

Most come from the Greek island of Thassos. Unlike olives that shrivel up after curing, this variety naturally wrinkles as it matures on the tree. Rather than pick the olives, they're harvested by placing nets under the trees to catch the shriveled fruits as they ripen.

While olives and olive oil may not originate in Greece, it still has a rich history there. The ancient Greeks used olive oil not only in their cooking, but in many other facets of their lives -their sports, health, in rituals, and as a status symbol. The olive tree and its fruit were considered sacred.

Perhaps the most well-known symbolic connotation for the olive is peace. The olive tree, or more specifically an olive branch, is a symbol of peace and friendship dating back to ancient Greek mythology.

The olive though was first cultivated 7,000 years ago in Mediterranean regions. Fossilized leaves of Olea were found in the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. Research indicates that since 3000 BC, olives were grown commercially in Crete. They may have been one of the sources wealth of the Minoan civilization.

Olives have a long history which is tied together with the history of Greece herself, being an integral part of Greek diet, trade, and even ancient religious customs and mythology. The olive is so important to the Greeks it was once considered “the most useful divine gift” from the goddess Athena.

Peace The Olive Branch: a Symbol of Pace (Peace) The olive tree, or more specifically an olive branch, is a symbol of peace and friendship dating back to ancient Greek mythology. Myth tells us that Zeus held a contest between Poseidon and Athena for control over Athens, asking both to make an offering.

The olive tree produces an awesome fruit called olive from which we get olive oil. The tree has been cultivated in Greece since antiquity and blends harmoniously with the country's landscape. The Mediterranean sun and the Aegean winds lend the fruit its unique taste.

8 health benefits of kalamata olives

• Loaded with antioxidants.
• May help fight diabetes.
• May prevent dementia.
• May promote cardiovascular health.
• Promotes healthy skin and hair.
• Helps prevent anemia.
• Helps prevent osteoporosis.
• Boosts gut health.

The ancient Greeks seemed to make a distinction between the cultivated olive, called elaia (ἐλαία) and the wild olive, called kotonos (κότινος).

Olive: another way to say you love someone without. having to say love. E.g: Olive Christine. I love Christine.