Page 63 - Annual Magazine 2018

NATURE | OLIVE TREE

THE CYPRUS

olive tree

I

“The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven. I can scarcely expect bread.”
Thomas Jefferson

Story by Eleni Hoplaros

Indigenous to Cyprus from the Neolithic period, the olive tree OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION IN CYPRUS TODAY Cancer prevention. Although it’s not altogether clear as to what Obesity and Diabetes Despite what’s being drummed into us
remains a familiar feature of the island’s landscape. Found in Whilst the production of olive oil in Cyprus has improved part of the olive oil plays the largest part in the fight against cancer, regarding this idea that consuming fat makes us fat, it has been
practically every town and house garden, this much-favoured tree can dramatically, it is still a task also largely done by members of research is starting to show that this oil certainly plays a role. In fact, shown that there is actually less obesity amongst people from the
also be seen growing in abundance in the forests of Pentadactylos, families. Due to the significant sophistication of the production various studies have shown that a certain fat in olive oil can protect Mediterrean region who consume diets that contain a fair amount
Karpasia, Akamas, Paphos, Limassol and Stavrovouni. methods used today, and the high quality of Cyprus olive oil, many against bowel and rectum cancers. It is also being said that olive oil of olive oil.
producers have gone on to win international competitions for the can be accredited for reduced incidence of developing breast cancer.
A SACRED OIL end product. Further, the demand for organic olive oil production Pregnancy. The healthy development of a fetus requires Vitamin E
Once considered sacred, olive oil was used for blessings given has also increased due to the rise in the want for products not Cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that following a which is sufficiently present in olive oil. In addition, it also provides
to kings and athletes. It was also the eternal flame of the original contaminated by chemical processing. Mediterranean style diet rich in its use of olive oil reduces the risk the fatty acids that are essential for the development of a newborn
Olympic Games, and it was used to light revered lamps in temples. for a heart attack. Further, since being comprised of phenol, olive oil child.
is said to contribute to the better functioning of blood vessels.
smoke of burning olive branches is believed to protect one’s home and Wedding couples are encouraged
In Cyprus, the leaves of the olive tree are said to ward off evil, and the
to plant their own commemorative
family. Aphrodite Hills and the Olive Tree
AN ANCIENT HISTORY A LOVE AFFAIR
In Cyprus, olive trees have been around since antiquity, with a huge tree in the grounds of Aphrodite
number of wild olive trees found in the southern Troodos region.
Archaeological evidence dating back thousands of years before Hills as an eternal reminder The olive tree is an essential part of the landscape at Aphrodite Hills and can be found in abundance across the Resort’s grounds.
the birth of Christ includes olive pits found at various sites across Approximately 2000 olive trees can be found throughout the Resort. The big olive tree by the entrance of the
Cyprus such as Nicosia, Kyrenia, Larnaka, Famagusta and Salamis. of their special day. Hotel is more than 200 years old.

Aside from the pips, other finds relating to olive oil production include The olive tree is also given as a unique gift following each wedding ceremony - wedding couples are encouraged to plant their own
separation vessels, vats, mortars, millstones, among others. Perforated commemorative tree in the grounds of Aphrodite Hills as an eternal reminder of their special day.
monoliths have also been discovered, predominantly in the south THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING OLIVE OIL
Troodos region evidencing what many think was equipment used for The consumption of olive oil comes with it numerous health benefits Aphrodite Hills Resort knows and cherishes this super flavoursome golden liquid, which also takes on an indirect role in many of the
the production of oil. Olive oil production continued through the years, that have served the Mediterranean diet, in particular, well for dishes served up at the Resort. While not a primary ingredient, this oil does much to elevate the culinary experience at many of the
although not always in great quantities, nor for aggressive commercial hundreds of years. restaurants such as Ladi & Rigani and Pithari Tavern by Atlantica Hotels, to name just a few.
use. Yet the relationship between people and this tree still thrives.
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Aphrodite Hills Resort “European Golf Resort of the Year 2018”