The presence of olive oil in our country dates back to ancient times, possibly to the era of the Romans, who already produced and consumed olive oil in their gastronomy. During the Middle Ages, olive oil production became one of the most important agricultural activities in our country.

The maritime expansion in the 15th century played a crucial role in the spread of olive oil. Portuguese navigators during the Age of Discoveries carried olive oil on their ships as a fundamental part of their diet. This golden oil became a vital part of sailors' diets and, at the same time, an important commodity for trade with other peoples.

Today, Portugal is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of olive oil. Portuguese olive oil is exported to various international markets, including European countries such as Spain, Italy, and France, as well as markets outside the European Union, such as the United States, Brazil, and Japan. These exports generate significant revenue for the country and contribute to the balance of trade.

As mentioned in previous texts, Portuguese gastronomy is much more than food preparation; it is a part of our history and culture. In this case, olive oil is a key player in our cuisine, imparting a distinct flavor to numerous typical dishes known throughout the world.

Among them, we can select some, such as "Bacalhau à Brás" or "Açorda Alentejana," which have olive oil as a key ingredient. But it's not only in main courses that we find this golden oil; it is also used in appetisers, cakes, and desserts, giving them a unique taste and texture in Portuguese pastry creations.

The versatility of olive oil makes it essential in our country's traditional cuisine; it is suitable for sautéing, frying, and grilling, and is the key component in sauces and marinades.

However, the benefits of olive oil go beyond culinary use; this ingredient is used in the production of cosmetics and personal care products for skin and hair. Its antioxidant, moisturising, and nourishing properties make olive oil a valuable ingredient in beauty and body care products. In Portugal, olive oil is used in the production of soaps, moisturisers, cuticle creams, hair masks, and lip balms, among others.

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It is important to emphasize that many consumers seek cosmetic products containing high-quality extra virgin olive oil because, in addition to the already-known benefits, they are made with other natural ingredients, aligning with the growing demand for more sustainable and natural personal care products.

Furthermore, olive oil plays an important role in our people's culture and traditions. The olive oil production process involves the manual harvesting of olives, often done in the community, thus creating social bonds and promoting collaboration between generations.

In summary, the history of olive oil in Portugal dates back centuries and has a constant presence in the lives and on the tables of the Portuguese people. Olive oil is an element that unites generations and regions. Its versatility and cultural importance make olive oil a national treasure that should be appreciated and preserved for future generations.

Author

Cláudia Ferreira, who holds a degree in Communication Sciences from Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, is currently serving as the assistant director and commercial representative at Casaiberia.

Cláudia Ferreira