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Olives were the symbol of peace to the ancient Greeks. That is the origin of
the expression "to offer an olive branch." When the Greeks wished to make peace,
they would literally take a branch from an olive tree and offer it to the enemy,
who was duty bound to accept it. Olives have a long and distinguished history, indeed. The next time you enjoy an olive, remember that the same flavour was enjoyed by people living before 4000 BC. Olives have the distinction of being the oldest tree in continuous cultivation. Legend has it that the olive tree was first grown in the Garden of Eden. Many areas in the Middle East and Mediterranean have also been suggested as our native land. Parent trees are a characteristic of the Mediterranean landscape but are also found throughout other areas of the world. Olives spread to newer countries, like the USA, Australia and New Zealand, coincided with the migration of people from the Mediterranean and southern Europe. Commercial plantations for fresh olives and oil are increasing in Australia. |