Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day – September 30, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day is observed on September 30 every year. Although you may think that every day is the day of olive oil, there is one special day to celebrate one of the most sophisticated creations in the market.
Olive oil is not only delicious but also good for our health. It is said that olive oil has a positive impact on our health thanks to its beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids and high levels of anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidants. The exact amount of olive oil that’s right for you will depend on many factors such as your size and activity level.
History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Ever since the US’s first “foodie” President Thomas Jefferson proclaimed, “… the olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven” and deemed olive oil a “necessity of life” (along with wine and books), olive oil was destined to have its own National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day!
Olive Oil, itself, has a history that goes back as far as 6000 years, or perhaps even more, when the olive tree was cultivated and spread from Asia Minor to the Mediterranean regions it is now famous for. Over the centuries, olive has not only been used in food preparations, but also for cultural, religious and even beauty purposes.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality of the olive oils, extracted through grinding and pressing the olives, without the use of heat or chemicals in the extraction process. This makes EVOO particularly pure and also very good for the health.
It tends to be darker in color than regular olive oils, with a dark yellow or green tinge that make some people refer to it as “liquid gold”. This oil has a distinctive flavor that some people think offers a bit of a spicy kick to it.
Since the Mediterranean Diet has come into the spotlight, many people are looking to Extra Virgin Olive Oil to provide them with an extra boost for the taste of their food as well as for their physical health.
Yes, EVOO is a bit pricier than the cost of regular olive oil, but the difference is completely worth it. It’s time to celebrate this marvelous day!
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.
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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.
How to Celebrate National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day
Celebrating Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be not only a learning experience and a boost to your health, but it can also just be a lot of fun! Use these tips for celebrating or come up with some new ones:
Begin Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For those who have been using other types of oils, or just regular (not EVOO) olive oil, this is the perfect day to experiment by using this extraordinary oil in a variety of new recipes. And although it is traditionally thought to be used for cooking, don’t forget that it can be used for baking, drizzling over salads, as a dip for bread, or in a myriad of other ways.
Create An Olive Oil Experience or Adventure
Visit an olive orchard and olive mill where it’s possible to see the olives-to-olive oil process first hand. Olives are grown all over the world! Although many people think they might have to take a trip to Italy or Greece for this, they don’t! In the United States olives are grown in California, Oregon, Texas, Florida and a few other warm climate states. Other places include Peru, South Africa, Chile, Australia and even New Zealand.
Schedule a time to visit one of these lovely olive-producing farms to witness up close exactly how the olives grow in the orchards and what happens when they are pressed from the fruit into the oil. While there, be sure to pick up a bottle or two to take home!
Go Olive Oil Tasting at a Specialty Store
Just like wine tasting, there is such a thing as Olive Oil tasting! This is a great cultural and educational experience, as well as a delightful treat for the taste buds. Of course, many versions will be on offer. The hardest thing will be to choose which one(s) to purchase and take home.
Share Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fun on Social Media
Take photos of olive oil experiences and your favorite way to Drizzle it on . . . your favorite foods or your favorite ways to use olive oil for health, beauty, and around the house and post the photos on social media.
