Oils from Spain and Italy: A Legacy of Ancient Civilizations

From the olive groves of the Phoenicians to the most exquisite tables of the modern world.

Olive oil , known as “liquid gold,” has a history as rich as the soils in which olive trees grow. Its origins date back more than 6,000 years, when early Mediterranean civilizations, such as the Phoenicians, cultivated olive trees and extracted their precious oil. For them, it was not only a food, but also a currency and a key element in religious ceremonies.

When the Romans expanded their empire, they brought the tradition of olive oil with them throughout the Mediterranean, especially to Hispania (present-day Spain) and Italy. In the region of Baetica (now Andalusia), the oil reached such quality and production that it became one of the most exported goods to Rome. Amphorae full of this product left the Hispanic ports to supply the tables of the Roman aristocracy.

In Italy, olive oil also acquired a symbolic and practical status. The Romans perfected pressing techniques, developing more advanced presses that improved the quality of the oil. It was used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetics and as fuel for lamps.

Today, both Spain and Italy lead the world in extra virgin olive oil production, each with distinctive characteristics. Spanish oils, such as those of the Picual variety, stand out for their intensity and herbaceous notes, while Italian oils, especially those from Tuscany, are appreciated for their smoothness and velvety profile.

  According to Greek mythology, the olive tree was a gift from Athena to the Athenians. By planting the first olive tree on the Acropolis, she not only gave them a food resource, but also a symbol of peace and prosperity that endures to this day.

At God Save The Coffee , we select the finest oils from Spain and Italy, each with its own unique history and flavour, because we believe that true luxury lies in the legacy and authenticity of every drop.