Some Facts From Olive History...

Olive and olive oil have been indispensable ingredients of the Ottoman and Turkish culture, and the Mediterranean cuisine. The accounting records of Ottoman palace kitchens reveal that olive and olive oil were purchased in enormous quantities. Olive holds an important place both in the Ottoman and in the Turkish cuisine, and it is vital for the industry of Turkey. Although it is difficult to determine the exact provenance of the olive tree, it is generally believed to be indigenous to the Anatolian lands because it grows by itself in the Aegean region. In this region, the wild olive tree, “Olea Europea Oleaster” is much more common than the domesticated variety known as “Olea Europea Sativa.”.

The olive tree, which has a lifespan of three hundred to four hundred years, can thrive in altitudes of up to six thousand meters. However, a maximum altitude of four thousand meters is deemed ideal for the growth of high quality olive plants....