The Journey of Olive Oil Being Packed
The Journey of Olive Oil: A Story of Tradition and Life:
“If the olive trees knew the hands that planted them, their oil would become tears”.
Mahmoud Darwish (Famous Palestinian Poet)
For generations, the olive tree has carried deep meaning for Palestinians, symbolising not just life, but livelihood. This tree holds immense historical and economic significance, covering the mountains and fields of Palestine. It is more than just a plant; it is a treasure that farmers rely on for a steady income. Its fruit, the olive, produces oil cherished not only for its health benefits but for its role in Palestinian identity.
See below an extract from a 58-year-old Palestinian Farmer:
"The olive tree is our identity, one that I’m proud of. I’ve lived under its branches since I was born. This tree has raised us—we eat its fruit, we sell it, and it provides for our family. It’s two-thirds of our economy. Our ancestors planted the tree, passed down from generation to generation. We continue this legacy, tending to the tree, harvesting its bounty. Every year, I water and care for it; it’s a blessing from God. The oil we extract not only sustains us but keeps us healthy.”
The olive season marks the beginning of winter, a time of hard work and devotion. Farmers prepare by ploughing the land, pruning the trees, and weeding the fields. When the time comes to harvest, every family member joins in the delicate task of picking the olives by hand. Each step in the process, from harvest to oil extraction, requires great care to ensure the highest quality that Palestinian olive oil is known for worldwide.
Once harvested, the olives make their way to the press, where tradition meets technique in the process of extraction. The first step is crushing the olives into a smooth paste using a millstone, a method that has been practiced for centuries. This paste is then spread onto woven baskets and carefully stacked in the press. With each squeeze, golden oil trickles out—pure, vibrant, and ready for consumption or export.
After the first pressing, the remaining olive paste is pressed again, yielding oil that finds its way to soap factories, especially in Nablus, a city renowned for its soap-making tradition. Even the leftover paste, known as *jift*, isn’t wasted—it becomes fuel, ensuring that nothing from this sacred tree goes to waste.
This ancient process is not just about oil; it’s about sustenance, culture, and the continuity of life. Olive oil fuels Palestinian homes, kitchens, and hearts, serving as a timeless link between the past and present, and ensuring that the legacy of the olive tree lives on.