Olea europa- The Olive Tree
We know that the Olive tree/oil was metioned in Genesis and throughout the Bible. It is one of he longest living trees. some living a 1000 years! They are know to grow back even after having been cut back. New trees growing back from the hard roots have allowed this tree to survive and produce for years. Besides the fruit it produces, the oil is used for lamps in homes and the temple. It was used for ceremonies by the priest and in annointing. It was used medicine taken internally and also used in ointments. Olive oil was valuable trade item. We know that Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane comes from the Hebrew word that literally means oil press.
"Then God said"let the land burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant. And let there be trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. The seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.."And so it was and God saw that it was good" Genesis 1: 11,12
"And God said""Look! I have given you the seed bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.Genesis 1:29
"This time toward evening, the dove returned to him with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Noah now new the water was almost gone. Genesis 8:12
"All the wild animals, large and small, and all the birds and fish will be afraid of you. I have placed them in your power. I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you the grain and vegetables. Gen 9:2,3
So from the time of Adam until Noah before the flood, food resources were vegetables/fruits and grains. Then after the flood they got to eat meats. The people also lived longer lives before the flood.
"And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring
unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually."
Exodus 27:20
Leviticus 24:2
1 Kings 5:11
1 King 6:31-33
Psalm 104:15
and over the olive-trees and the sycomore-trees that were in the lowland
was Baal-hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:
1 Chronicles 27:28
Matthew 26:36
Mark 14:32
Luke 22:39
John 18:1
Pure oil is known as virgin or extra virgin olive oil. The freshest olives
are pressed and not heated. Olive oil has a long shelf life, does not need regrigeration. It should be kept in a dark place away from hear.
1 tablespoon of olive oil has:
Calories 119
Vitamin E 3-30mg
Monosaturated fatty acids(oleic) 56-83% (shown to lower cholestrol)
Polyunsaturated unfatty acids(linoleic)3.5-20%
Essential for maintinig heatly cell mebranes. (The cell mebranes alow food in
and allow waste to be expelled.)
Saturated fatty acids 8.0-23.5%
Fatty acids are essential for maintinig heatly cell mebranes. (The cell mebranes allow
food in and allow waste to be expelled.)
Olive oil is know to decrease the LDL(bad cholesterol levels and increase the HDL
(good cholesterol)
Research has shown that those areas that use olive oil have the lowest incident of
heart disease. research also shows that olive oil aids in constipation.
Olive oil also includes antioxidants such as vitamin e, beta caroten, letcithiin,
& chlorophyll which help deliver oxygen to tissue.
The leaves can also be used medicinally and information can be found at health food stores.
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6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Celtic salt(more as needed)
1-2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
Combine all ingredients, you may want to blend them in a food
processor or blender. Store in a sealed container and refrigerate