In Greek popular culture, olive oil is no less significant. For one, so deeply rooted is olive oil in the Greek psyche, that we don’t even bother qualifying it—Greeks use the generic word «oil» to refer to olive oil.
«To oil one’s intestines» in Greek means simply to eat something nourishing. Greeks even think of olive oil as an aphrodisiac. An old folk saying goes «eat oil and come tonight, eat butter and sleep tight»!
“The ash-paled Olive tree,
the feeder of children
which no man, young or old
will ever dare to destroy
because on her, ever watchful,
rest the eyes of Mighty Zeus and
the owl-eyed Athena”
Sophocles, Oedipus on Colonnus
Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.
Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.
Lemon Potato Smashers
Seafood Stew
Lentil–Sweet Potato Soup with Spinach and Sage
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Lemon-Dill Dressing
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