Olive Oil: More Than Just a Kitchen Staple

Pure olive oil shines as a quintessential symbol of Chanukah. We've all heard the story of the miracle of the oil, and every parent has proudly displayed at least one drawing of a 'little jug' filled with olive oil on their fridge. While many of us drizzle it over our dishes, despite its relatively high cost, it's a staple in the Israeli kitchen. As Chanukah approaches, we're exploring what makes this greenish-gold oil so special, why it's considered a healer for both body and soul, the difference between virgin and pure olive oil, and how it all ties into Chanukah rituals, from lighting menorahs to festive meals and celebrations.

1. Good for the Body

Olive oil is particularly noted for its health benefits. It helps lower 'bad' cholesterol levels (LDL) and improves the balance between 'bad' and 'good' cholesterol. Additionally, it can help reduce blood pressure and prevent heart and vascular diseases.

Thanks to the antioxidants it contains, olive oil may lower the risk of cancer. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals - unstable molecules that can harm body cells.

2. Good for Skin and Hair

Olive oil is a common ingredient in skincare products, potentially improving skin appearance and reducing wrinkles. It can be applied topically as a natural treatment for acne, dry skin, and wrinkles. When used on hair, olive oil serves as a natural remedy for dandruff and dry hair.

3. Can Be Confusing

Not all olive oil is high-quality. To identify a quality olive oil, look for cold-pressed oil, the highest quality type, produced by pressing cold olives.

• Extra virgin olive oil: This oil is cold-pressed through pressing and compacting alone, at a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, with a free oleic acid level not exceeding 0.8%.
• Virgin olive oil is cold-pressed with a free oleic acid level not exceeding 2%.
• Regular virgin olive oil is cold-pressed with a free oleic acid level not exceeding 3.3%.

Additionally, some types of oils are deemed unfit for consumption, including refined olive oil, mixed olive oil, and olive-pomace oil.

4. Produced and Consumed in Mass

In 2020, the world produced 3.2 million tons of olive oil, with Spain alone accounting for 35% of global production. The next largest producers are Italy, Greece, and Tunisia. While Israel isn’t at the top of the list, it produces a decent amount of high-quality Israeli olive oil: 18,000 tons are produced in Israel, with 59% sourced from non-imported Israeli produce.

5. Important in Judaism

Olives are one of the Seven Species, and olive oil is considered a hallmark of the Land of Israel. "A land of wheat and barley, grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates—a land of olive oil and honey."

Olive oil was used to light the menorah in the Holy Temple and was a key ingredient in the anointing oil for priests and kings. Today, it's used for lighting Chanukah candles and Shabbat candles. It's said that a woman who lights Shabbat candles with olive oil will be blessed with scholarly children and longevity.

"It's a mitzvah of distinction to light with olive oil, promising longevity and children who illuminate the world with their Torah. Our sages proclaimed (Sanhedrin 24a) that scholars who are amiable to one another in the study of law are likened to olive oil. There is a story of a man who lived a long life, and his only virtue was lighting with olive oil (Sefer Chassidim).",

"If olive oil is unavailable, light with other oils or with candles" (Shabbat 1:131).