Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Olive oil is said to be a ‘superfood’ today, but the truth is that this was previously discovered many years ago. Ancient people in the Mediterranean believed that olive trees were sent by the gods. The legend reads that when the city of Athens was founded, the goddess Athena created the olive tree so that they would choose her as their patron, rather than the god Poseidon.

Ancient Greeks believed that these trees were godly because they produced a delicious bounty of fruit each year, which could also be used for eating, lighting lamps, cosmetics, medicine, and more. In Greece, the Greek gods were thanked by the Greeks for their olive cultivation. There was even a god of Olive Growth, who was called Aristaeus. He was praised for protecting the olive groves. In Judaism, olives are also considered to be an important fruit. They are believed to be one of the seven fruits that Israel was blessed with.

In fact, there is a ‘mitzvah’ (commandment) for bringing olives, as well as the other fruits, to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Moreover, a special blessing is said when one eats these fruits. While it is unknown if olive trees were a gift from the gods, we do know quite a bit about olive oil’s early days and its benefits.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day timeline

2500 B.C.

Olive Oil is First Used

It is first used as lamp fuel and in religious ceremonies in the Mediterranean.

2000 B.C.

Olive Oil is First Cooked

It is first used in cooking.

1450

Olive oil enters its golden age

It enters its golden age with the Greeks, as they used it for food, fuel, skin lotion, contraceptive, detergents, preservatives, pesticides, perfume, and adornment.

2019

World Olive Day is Created

The International Olive Council celebrates the first anniversary of World Olive Day since its creation by UNESCO.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day FAQs

When is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 30. This mid-week celebration is perfect for exploring new culinary delights and appreciating the health benefits of EVOO.

How healthy is extra virgin olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is highly regarded for its health benefits, particularly its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Regular consumption is linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

How popular is extra virgin olive oil globally?

Extra virgin olive oil is a global culinary staple, with millions of tons produced and consumed annually worldwide. Spain, Italy, and Greece are leading producers, but its popularity extends across continents, driven by health trends and gourmet cooking.

What makes olive oil 'extra virgin'?

‘Extra virgin’ signifies the highest quality olive oil, obtained solely by mechanical means without chemical treatments, and cold-pressed to preserve its natural flavor and nutrients. It must have an acidity level below 0.8% and pass rigorous sensory and chemical tests.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day Activities

Buy a certified, authentic virgin olive oil

Go to a supermarket and buy authentic olive oil. To be sure that you are buying an olive oil of good quality, read the label and check the harvest date.

Get to know your olive oil producer

Visit an olive oil producer. Many olive oil producers offer guided visits.

Prepare your favorite recipe using olive oil

Using olive oil in your dishes makes all the difference. You can cook with olive oil or consume it raw.

5 Benefits Of Olive Oil

Strengthens the immune system

Extra virgin olive oil is known to boost the immune system due to its high concentration of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats.

Lowers blood sugar

Extra virgin olive oil facilitates the process of stabilizing type 2 diabetes.

Promotes heart health

Recent studies have shown that people who consume more than half a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil daily have fewer chances of developing cardiovascular problems and coronary heart disease.

Detoxes the liver

Consuming extra virgin olive oil daily, helps our liver to perform its functions since it’s a natural laxative and encourages the release of bile.

Gives you more brain power

Olive oil improves brain memory and helps prevent mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Why We Love Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Olive oil is loved worldwide

People love olive oil not only for its taste but also because of all the benefits it has. Consuming olive oil is not only delicious, but it’s also really good for our health!

It is natural

This product is natural and does not have many other ingredients added to it. As such, the use of olive oil is encouraged as a healthier alternative.

It offers innumerable benefits

Extra virgin olive oil offers benefits to your skin, nails, and bones. While many beauty products use it as a base ingredient that requires a direct application, more benefits can be acquired by simply drinking a tablespoon of olive oil daily.