The olive tree is one of the oldest known cultivated trees
in the world. Before written
language existed, the olive tree originated in Asia Minor and spread to Iran,
Syria and Palestine onwards throughout the Mediterranean more than 6,000 years
ago. The olive trees on the Mount
of Olives in Jerusalem are known to be more than 2000 years old. Today, it’s not uncommon to see olive
trees throughout North and South America, Japan, New Zealand and even
Australia. [
source.]
Jordan’s Olive
Varietals:
Construction and conflict in the Levant have resulted in the
destruction of countless olive trees and their abundant life-giving properties.
The good news is that olive tree cultivation has managed to
survive as a primary means of economic stability for individual farmers and
families in the region. Hopefully,
in due time, the Middle East will be known for its ability to sustain such
beautiful, organic life, instead of its destruction.
There are three major olive “cultivars” in Jordan, the
cradle of olive tree cultivation.
Nabali. One of the oldest olive cultivars in the Middle East
originated on the banks of the River Jordan. It is also the predominant type of olive found in Jordan
used as table olives and for oil.
Its sub-category is Nabali Muhasan, both types of olives are strong and
take root easily. The olives are
usually plump with a soft texture and have oil content of 28-33%.
Rasie. This is an
improved cultivar of Nabali used mainly for oil. Oil content ranges between 15-28% and is known for its
mixture of sweet and pungent flavors with a hint of apple.
Souri. This type
is mainly used for oil production and can be cultivated in arid areas and
shallow soil. The oil produced is
aromatic with an acidic bite to the throat upon consumption.
“Sitti” means
“Grandmother.”
Sitti Soap Company originates from the age-old traditions of
grandmothers in the Levant who used olives and their oil in…well…everything! Pickled and marinated on the table for
snacking between meals, dribbled over salads, raw vegetables and
hummus, or mixed in a marinade of
zeit ou zataar for dipping or caking on
top of savory pastries. “All-purpose”
is taken to a whole new level with
olive oil, with women in the Middle East
still using it as a go-to beauty product for hair and skin as well. (Mixed with lemon juice, it also makes
a great
all-natural, non-toxic wood furniture cleaning product!)
With the popular advent of
holistic living and wellness, olives' and olive oil’s various
health benefits have been making the rounds on health sites and food blogs. However, their origins will always remain in “Sitti’s” household.
Olive oil brings along with it numerous health benefits,
including:
Inflammation-inhibiting antioxidants
Cancer-fighting properties
Lower risk of heart disease
Normalization of blood clots
Benefitting insulin levels and blood sugar control
Moisturizes and nourishes skin!!!
All
Sitti Soap products are produced with locally-sourced Extra Virgin Olive Oil
from Jordan. Follow our blog to continue receiving updates on our products, and information/tips on how olive oil-based soap and other products can help nourish you: mind, body and soul.
To make an order, simply email: help@sittisoap.com
