The Diamond of Tunisia
Olive wood is a beautiful type of wood and is used in many luxury goods. You might even own some olive wood. Olive wood’s scientific name is Olea europaea or O. capensis. It comes from olive trees that grow from 25 to 50 feet tall. The diameter of these trees can reach anywhere from 3-5 feet. Its color is creamish yellowish brownish with dark brown or black contrasting grains. The grains are really what makes olive wood stand out so much. The grain is typically curly or wavy in shape. The grain itself may be straight, interlocked, or wild. When working with the wood you actually get a distinct scent that is somewhat fruity.
"The olive tree stands as a perfect personification of man's historical memory in the Holy Land. It is the tree with the highest endurance and fruitful capacity. It is the sign of peace between God and mankind.”
Olive Wood - A Holy Tree
More than any other plant, the olive tree symbolizes the Holy Land it has been called: "The Sacred Tree", "The Peace Tree", "The Tree of Light", and "The Tree of Legends". The olive tree is represented in all Abrahamic religions. Jesus prayed under an olive tree on his way to Jerusalem, after the last supper.
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Common Name(s): Olive
Scientific Name: Olea spp. (Olea europaea, O. capensis)
Distribution: Europe and Eastern Africa
Tree Size: 25-50 ft (8-15 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1.0-1.5 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 62 lbs/ft3 (990 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity: .72, .99 (Basic, 12% MC)
Janka Hardness: 2,700 lbf (12,010 N)
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Source: The Wood Database (Olive)
Olive Wood Grain
To estimate the age of a piece of wood, one must examine the grain. Older trees exhibit a darker grain, while younger trees may have a lighter color. The dark lines inside the olive wood trunk also tell how old the tree is. The more lines, the older the tree. The dark grain inside the trunk of the olive tree is called the heart of the wood or the jewels.
The heart is dense and durable, with a distinctive red pigment in its grain. All carvings made of this hard wood have varying patterns, making every piece unique. It is difficult to match the grain of two pieces since the grain pattern is entirely hidden in the heart of the wood. The artistically smooth and elegant grain of the olive wood renders it one of the most beautiful in the world, allowing us to create carvings that will easily last a lifetime and be enjoyed by generations to come.
Care Instructions
Applying oil to an olive wood bowl
If you love to cook or soak up the aroma when others are cooking, then you want great utensils that enhance cooking and are easy to clean.
Olive wood kitchenware is unique for many reasons and lasts longer than your regular plastic, metal, and other wooden utensils. Olive wood does not dry out like other wooden kitchenware with time or use. Furthermore, olives' dense, oily nature is also applicable to the wood.
Kitchenware made from olive wood is usually very strong and highly resistant to external attacks. It needs to be maintained to keep them in great working conditions. Please follow the instructions below to keep your Olive Wood kitchenware in mint condition for a lifetime.
Oiling
The oiling of your Olive Wood kitchenware depends on the frequency of use. The rate you use them will determine how often you need to oil them. If used frequently, oil once a week. If seldomly used, oil once every two months.
Instructions: Apply olive or mineral oil on the utensils from top to bottom and allow the oil sit on the utensils for one or two hours, after which you clean off the excess oil, and store in a cool, dry place. Frequent oiling will keep your utensils long lasting and shiny.
Sanitizing
Because wood is still porous, it may make sense to sanitize your olive wood products once every one or two years. To give it a deep clean:
Wash your utensils with soap and water
Immerse them in a hydrogen peroxide/water solution for just over ten minutes
Rinse the utensils with water and allow them dry
Apply a thin coat of olive oil
A more natural alternative to hydrogen peroxide is applying a rub of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with kosher salt once a month, rinse with water, pat dry with a paper towel, and apply a thin coating of olive oil.
Neutralizing
(Optional) Rub the exterior of your olive wood utencil with either lemon juice or a paste made of baking soda and water. Doing this will help reduce smell and return the utensils to their original scent.
Polishing
For olive boards, use olive oil and/or a beeswax solution to wipe the surface of your board from time to time. The olive oil prevents dryness and the wax creates a protective seal on the surface. If using beeswax, remember to choose food-friendly products that are turpentine-free.
Disclaimer: Please note that olive wood products are unique and vary in shape, size, and color, just like the olive trees they are made of. There are no two alike. They may vary from the stock photos on our website.