The History of Olive Oil: From the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Era

Welcome to a journey through time and flavour! Extra virgin olive oil, celebrated today for its remarkable qualities and rich taste, has a history as layered as its texture. The story of olive oil's origins stretches back to the earliest civilisations. This golden liquid has travelled a long road, leaving its mark on culture and gastronomy alike.

In this second article on the History of Olive Oil, we continue its story from the Middle Ages through to the Early Modern period. Let's dive in!

The Middle Ages: Olive Oil on the Iberian Peninsula

After the fall of the Roman Empire, olive oil production in Hispania did not stop. When the Arabs arrived on the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, olive cultivation and oil production were revitalised. The Arabs not only preserved Roman techniques but also introduced significant improvements in agriculture and irrigation.

Medieval Curiosities:

• The Arabs introduced irrigation systems such as the noria (waterwheel), which greatly improved agricultural output.
• Olive oil was used in medicine, cosmetics, and as fuel for lamps.
• Andalusian agricultural treatises, such as the "Kitab al-Filaha" by Ibn al-Awwam, describe in detail the techniques for cultivating olives and producing oil, as well as its many uses.

Figures and Details:

Ibn al-Awwam, an Andalusian agronomist of the 12th century, wrote one of the most important agricultural treatises of his time, the "Kitab al-Filaha." In it, he documented the use of olive oil to treat skin conditions and as a digestive remedy. The work was not only a practical guide for farmers of the era, but also an invaluable record of the medicinal properties of olive oil.

The Renaissance: A Rebirth for Olive Oil

The Renaissance brought a resurgence of art, science, and agriculture across Europe. In Italy, Spain, and Greece, olive cultivation and oil production flourished once again.

Renaissance Highlights:

• The olive oil trade expanded significantly, with exports reaching other European countries and the New World.
• Regions such as Andalusia, Catalonia, and Valencia became major production centres.
• More advanced cultivation and extraction techniques were documented, cementing olive oil as an essential element of the Mediterranean diet.

Curiosities and Figures:

Leonardo da Vinci, renowned for his inventions and art, also wrote about the properties of olive oil and its use in food preservation and as a lubricant for his machines. Leonardo da Vinci and olive oil

Bartolomeo Scappi, an Italian Renaissance chef, featured a variety of olive oil recipes in his celebrated cookbook "Opera," highlighting its use for marinating meats and dressing salads. Bartolomeo Scappi's Opera

The Early Modern Period: Expansion and Global Trade

During the 16th and 17th centuries, European expansion into the New World brought olive oil to the Americas. Spanish colonisers introduced olive cultivation to Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.

Early Modern Curiosities:

• At first, colonisers faced considerable challenges due to differences in climate and soil.
• Over time, they succeeded in establishing thriving olive groves in the New World.
• Olive oil produced in Europe was exported in ever-growing quantities, gaining a firm foothold in international markets.

Figures and Details:

Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador, brought olive trees to the New World in an effort to replicate Spanish cultivation methods in Mexico. Hernán Cortés and the olive tree

The Aztec codices, documents from the colonial period, record the introduction of the olive tree and the use of its oil in the emerging colonial diet. Aztec codices

The Industrialisation of Olive Oil

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, industrialisation began to transform olive oil production.

Key Aspects of Industrialisation:

• Hydraulic presses gradually replaced traditional presses, significantly increasing efficiency.
• Advances in storage and transport — including metal tins and glass bottles — allowed olive oil to reach more distant markets without any loss of quality.
• In Spain, large olive estates quickly adopted the new technologies, improving both output and oil quality.

Curiosities and Figures:

Manuel Godoy, Prime Minister of Spain under Charles IV, championed agricultural modernisation, including the adoption of hydraulic presses for oil production. Manuel Godoy

Gabriel Alonso de Herrera, in his "Obra de Agricultura" of the 16th century, shaped subsequent agricultural techniques, including those relating to olive oil production.

Olive Oil in the Kitchen and in Culture

Throughout these centuries, olive oil remained a staple of Mediterranean cooking and continued to play an important role in medicine and cosmetics.

Traditional Uses:

• Olive oil became the foundation of countless traditional recipes that we still enjoy today.
• Various medical treatises documented its health benefits.
• It remained highly valued in ointments and beauty preparations.

Curiosities and Figures:

Teresa of Ávila, the Spanish mystic and saint, used olive oil in her convents not only for cooking but also as part of the natural remedies she recommended.

Lorenzo de' Medici, known as "The Magnificent", presided over lavish banquets where olive oil featured prominently in gourmet dishes.

Conclusion

Across the centuries, the History of Olive Oil has shown that it is far more than a simple ingredient. Its journey from ancient stone presses to modern hydraulic machinery is a testament to its enduring importance and versatility. Olive oil has been a symbol of wealth and health, a natural remedy, and a culinary treasure.

Today, when we savour a fine extra virgin olive oil, we connect with thousands of years of history and tradition. Every drop of this liquid gold is a tribute to the civilisations that perfected its cultivation and production. The next time you reach for olive oil, think of the legacy you are carrying forward — and the authentic flavours you are about to enjoy.

Savour and celebrate the history of olive oil in every dish!