History of the olive tree

“The presence of the olive tree is one of today’s most striking symbols of the Mediterranean landscape and its appeal. In this book, we learn that the olive tree has a very long history, rooted in religion and medicine, and that its genetic origins and domestication are no longer a mystery.

Readers will also be interested in the cultural aspects, social role and gastronomic value of the olive tree and its products. Nevertheless, the olive tree appears to be out of the ordinary compared with other fruit trees: growing trees that are a hundred years old is a real challenge. In the field of biology and physiology, the latest advances in research are presented, with particular reference to olive growing, fruit production and the protection of olive groves. The effects on health and the economic impact of this crop, which has been enjoying a new lease of life over the last thirty years or so, as its cultivation has been encouraged and its products promoted, are also considered.

The quality of olive products is therefore a major factor in the tree’s success, and many protected designations of origin have been created in France and in many countries around the Mediterranean. The image of the olive tree is now highlighted in the landscapes it has transformed, and even in towns and cities. The authors, specialists in the olive tree, bring us up to date with the latest research findings and take us on a journey through the history of the olive tree, the tree of the ages.

This book will be of interest to enthusiasts, whether gardeners, growers or simply tourists, and to all professionals in the olive and fruit industries.”