The ancient tree of Magna Graecia that produces white olives

White olives are a rare variety of olive tree, found mainly in the southern part of Italy (Magna Graecia).

The white olive tree is distinguished mainly by its small size. During the ripening process, the fruits acquire a soft ivory or pearly white color.

Sadness in Himara over the death of the director of the "Homer" school

Experts argue that this particular variety was probably introduced to the southern part of Italy during the years of greek colonization of the italian peninsula and Sicily.

In the southern part Of italy, there are two officially recognized minority greek languages: Griko and greko, Spoken by the greeks of Calabria. these Languages Are timeless testimonies of the ancient greek colonization of the region in the 8th and 7th centuries bC, that is, about 2,700 Years ago.

Nowadays, both languages are on the verge of extinction. The Greeks of Calabria, who constitute the last living trace of the Greek population of ancient Magna Graecia, are making efforts to preserve them.

History reminds us that the Greek language and culture dominated much of Italy, including the modern regions of Calabria, Basilicata, Apulia, and eastern Sicily, until the 14th century AD.

This unique white olive tree belongs to the general olive family, known in the scientific world as "Olea Europaea" (European olive).

Although southern Italy is not the only production region of this ancient variety, it is the main place where the white olive is cultivated in modern times.

Similar white olives are also found in Greece, although they are very rare. They are also found in some areas along the Mediterranean coast of northern Africa and up to the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

However, white olives are mainly known by different local names, while their products are not exported systematically and organizedly.

In the past, the white olive was used primarily for religious purposes, as its white color was associated with purity. There is evidence that even Christian churches in the region used its special oil to anoint emperors and kings.

Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the cultivation of the white olive tree has declined significantly over the years, making the olives and their oil a rare commodity. However, its delicate beauty remains impressive.

Those interested in trying these ancient olives or their oil will have to be particularly persistent, as these products are not available in most markets.