Different Colour of Olives

Where Olives Came From

The olive originated from the Asia Minor. It has spread widely from Iran, Syria and Palestine all around the world. When the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad told his followers to use olive oil on their bodies this further increased the use of olives. Olive oil is used in many religions, for example it is often used as the oil which people are anointed with in the Christian church. The Christian missionaries brought the olive oil from California. The olive trees in Jerusalem are said to be over 2000 years old. 

The olives in California come from the Franciscan missionaries. They planted olive trees when they were in California. In the time of the missionaries the olive trees were thriving in California and bringing in a good income.

Over many years the olive has spread to North and South America, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

The olive was brought to California by the Franciscans and now there is a MOPREP (The Mission Olive Preservation, Restoration, and Education Project) to further the education system as the olive's bring in a great income. California has one of the largest groves in the world.
There is also mythology behind the olive. It is said that the Goddess Athena planted the original olive tree on the Acropolis hill. Athena gave the olive as a gift to the Greeks and this was a brilliant gift as it was useful for light, heat, food, medicine and perfume.