A Journey to the Olive Groves of Greece

The sun reflects off the crystal clear sea while the cicadas play their concert in the olive trees. Welcome to Greece. Here, breathtaking landscapes meet delicious food, characterised by a special element of Greek cuisine—olive oil.

Known for its high quality and its wide range of uses, olive oil has been an essential part of Mediterranean cuisine and Greek culture for centuries. It is not only the oil that inspires people, but also the history, culture, and landscape that produces it.

On a trip through Greece with feast, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about local olive oil, taste it on site, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Greek flavours.

The Legend of the Olive Tree

In Greek mythology, there is an important legend surrounding the olive tree that is still told today. Poseidon, god of the seas, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, are said to have argued about who should rule over Attica.

Zeus suggested that both of them should give the people of Attica a gift that would be of everlasting value. Poseidon then thrust his trident into the rock, creating a spring from which water bubbled forth. But Athena planted an olive tree for the people of Attica. The olive tree was so versatile that it could feed the inhabitants of Attica in many ways. Athena was declared the ruler. 

To this day, olive oil is considered the elixir of life and its diverse uses are an important part of Greek culture and cuisine.

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A Golden Ingredient

Olive oil is everywhere in Greek cuisine. Often used as a base for salad dressings and sauces, it is also used for frying vegetables or meat, gives fish and seafood a special flavour, and is even used in baking, in dough for bread and pastries.

Olive oil can be enjoyed without any guilt. It’s a healthy alternative to butter and other fats because it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. For this reason, no expense is spared when it comes to its use. It is a long-standing tradition, as Greek cooks use plenty of olive oil, herbs, and citrus fruits in almost every recipe.

Traditional Greek dishes served as a model for the world-famous Mediterranean diet, in which olive oil, fish, and vegetables play an essential role. The Greek diet is one of the healthiest diets in the world. It is based on the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and contains a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meat.

The well-known traditional Greek salad, for example, consists of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, spicy onions, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic olives. It also gets its incomparable flavour from the use of olive oil as a dressing.

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Healing Powers of Olive Oil

In addition to its importance in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is also a true miracle cure for health and beauty. For this reason, olive oil has been used for centuries not only as a food, but also as a medicine and cosmetic.

• Olive oil contains a variety of antioxidants such as polyphenols, which can fight inflammation in the body and strengthen the immune system
• It is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which help regulate cholesterol levels in the body and can thus prevent cardiovascular diseases
• Olive oil is also used in skin care: it is rich in vitamin E, which is known for its anti-aging properties
• It is also an effective remedy for treating sunburn and dry skin
• The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil can also help relieve skin problems such as acne and eczema
• A small amount of olive oil can also be used as a conditioner to nourish the hair and give it shine
• Olive oil can be used as a make-up remover, for cuticle care, or even as lip balm

Olive oil is therefore a versatile natural household remedy that offers many health benefits. Whether in the kitchen, in personal care, or in the household—olive oil can be used in many areas of daily life.

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Olive Oil Tasting in Greece

Another way to discover olive oil in Greece is by taking part in an olive oil tasting. Each olive oil has its own flavor, depending on the region it comes from and the type of olives used in its production. A tasting gives you the opportunity to try and compare different olive oil flavors.

During an olive oil tasting, you will not only learn about different types of olive oil, but also how to use and store them properly. You will also learn more about the history and traditions surrounding olive oil production in Greece.

When we visit Dimitra at her olive mill near Androusa, for example, she answers questions such as how olive oil is made and how to recognise good oil. Together, we follow the journey of the olives from the tree to the finished product and then learn how to use the oil in a cooking class.

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Culinary Discoveries in Greece

Be enchanted by the diverse flavours of Greek cuisine and discover the secrets of olive oil production on a culinary discovery tour with feast. On our small group tours, you’ll have the opportunity to follow the path of the olives and taste virgin olive oil—an unforgettable experience that will delight more than just your taste buds!