1Olive Oil – The Liquid Gold of Greece
Olive oil was one of the most important ingredients in ancient Greek life. It was used in cooking, medicine, beauty, religious ceremonies, and athletics. Ancient Greeks poured it over vegetables, bread, legumes, fish, and many simple dishes.
The olive tree was also deeply symbolic. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Athena offered the olive tree to Athens, making it a sacred symbol of peace, wisdom, and prosperity.
Corfu has a very strong olive oil tradition. For centuries, Corfiot people produced their own olive oil and used it almost every day. Many older families remember meals based on bread, olives, vegetables, wild greens, beans, lentils, and plenty of olive oil.
Worth knowing: Corfu is home to millions of olive trees, and many old trees on the island are believed to be several hundred years old.
