In antiquity, olive oil was used for a lot of things—fuel for light and heat, for hygiene, for making crafts, and yes, traditionally through their diets too. Those old habits were tied to Mediterranean life; community and respect for ingredients. Here are some ways olive oil has been used through the centuries, and how you can use it today for things other than food!
For Your Skin
Extra virgin olive oil is packed with collagen-supporting compounds, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory, and also really moisturizing. Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used it to soothe irritation, treat wounds to prevent infection (similar to antiseptics), and shield skin from harsh weather.
To use it, keep it easy: warm a few drops between your palms, then smooth it onto your skin. It’s mild enough for daily routines, yet strong enough to help with dryness, irritation, and even signs of aging. It’s nature’s clean moisturizer, no added stuff, no confusing ingredients, just pure nourishment.
For Your Baby
Before all the fancy, ingredient-filled baby products rolled around, we used nature to care for our youth. One of the common practices was to use olive oil as a skin soother for babies. Today, it is still used as a natural emollient for baby massages as well as to protect against wicking with diapers. So, set aside that diaper cream or the 4 types of lotion and give the bottle of extra virgin olive oil on your counter a try! Be aware, however, of using it within reason; avoid it on newborns as their skin barrier is just developing, and on already-irritated skin, it’s better to let that be.
Even further in their diets, after 6 months, extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats and energy to purees and meals, supporting infant growth during the critical development phases.
For Your Hair
Olive oil has been a quiet ally for hair that looks stronger and glossier. It coats each strand with fatty acids that help hold onto moisture, protect against breakage, and promote growth. Long ago, people used it as a scalp treatment and shine enhancer, and honestly, modern stylists still talk about it as a must.
Massage a tablespoon into your scalp before washing, or smooth a few drops onto damp ends to calm frizz. It feels and works exactly like a natural alternative to silicone-heavy serums, and it leaves hair soft, hydrated, and lightly scented.
For your Home
Olive oil as fuel for other things besides you and your loved ones–this time, light! These candles are easiest to make in a pinch, and are infinitely customizable with just a fruit peel, seasoning, or essential oil.
All you’ll need is a jar, a couple of inches of wick (#2 type works the best), and some olive oil. Any scent you want is optional but certainly welcomed. Try to avoid flammable or large add-ins as they could make your candle smoky or impede the wick from burning the oil. Cut the wick a couple of inches long. Wrap part of the wire or paper clip wire around one end of the wick. Wrap the other part around the rim of your jar so the wick can stay suspended partially above the oil. Then you’re good to light it and enjoy the candle (they’re long-lasting!). As long as your olive oil is clean, these candles contain no harmful chemicals and have a high smoke point so they don’t pollute your environment as a typical store-bought candle can.
Beyond beauty or in your home, olive oil works from the inside out. Its antioxidants and healthy fats help support heart health, calm general inflammation, and assist your body in absorbing nutrients. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, blend it into dressings, or even sip it. One way to do that? Well, look to our…
Recipe of the Week: Homemade Ceviche
Time for a snack break! Ceviche is a protein-rich salad made with fresh fish (or shrimp) cured with lime juice, then tossed with onions, cilantro, tomato, cucumber, and extra virgin olive oil.
Ingredients for Homemade Ceviche:
- 1/2 a red onion, thinly sliced
- 1– 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (4-6 limes), freshly squeezed
- 2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
- 1 fresh serrano or jalapeño chili pepper, seeded and very finely chopped. (Start conservatively, more to taste) - the heat will intensify over time
- 1 pound fresh fish- my favorite are sea bass, halibut, dorado, or tilapia -diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1/4–1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 cup diced English cucumber, blot out the moisture with a paper towel
- 2 tablespoons Croatian Bianchera extra virgin olive oil
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions:
- Slice the red onion thinly with the grain, and toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, and lime juice, coating well.
- Add the fish, garlic, and fresh chilies, and gently mix.
- Add the tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, and Croatian Bianchera extra virgin olive oil, and stir. Leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving (45-60 minutes is ideal). The longer you marinate, the firmer and more “cooked” the fish will become.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the salt and heat. Add more salt or chilies if you like. If adding avocado, gently fold it in right before serving- you may need to add a pinch more salt and Bianchera extra virgin olive oil.
Enjoy with tortilla chips!
Cheers to good health and great olive oil.
This article has been edited by Grace Lyles.
Beyond the Plate: Olive Oil in Everyday Life
In antiquity, olive oil was used for a lot of things—fuel for light and heat, for hygiene, for making crafts, and yes, traditionally through their diets too. Those old habits were tied to Mediterranean life; community and respect for ingredients. Here are some ways olive oil has been used through the centuries, and how you can use it today for things other than food!
For Your Skin
Extra virgin olive oil is packed with collagen-supporting compounds, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory, and also really moisturizing. Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used it to soothe irritation, treat wounds to prevent infection (similar to antiseptics), and shield skin from harsh weather.
To use it, keep it easy: warm a few drops between your palms, then smooth it onto your skin. It’s mild enough for daily routines, yet strong enough to help with dryness, irritation, and even signs of aging. It’s nature’s clean moisturizer, no added stuff, no confusing ingredients, just pure nourishment.
For Your Baby
Before all the fancy, ingredient-filled baby products rolled around, we used nature to care for our youth. One of the common practices was to use olive oil as a skin soother for babies. Today, it is still used as a natural emollient for baby massages as well as to protect against wicking with diapers. So, set aside that diaper cream or the 4 types of lotion and give the bottle of extra virgin olive oil on your counter a try! Be aware, however, of using it within reason; avoid it on newborns as their skin barrier is just developing, and on already-irritated skin, it’s better to let that be.
Even further in their diets, after 6 months, extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats and energy to purees and meals, supporting infant growth during the critical development phases.
For Your Hair
Olive oil has been a quiet ally for hair that looks stronger and glossier. It coats each strand with fatty acids that help hold onto moisture, protect against breakage, and promote growth. Long ago, people used it as a scalp treatment and shine enhancer, and honestly, modern stylists still talk about it as a must.
Massage a tablespoon into your scalp before washing, or smooth a few drops onto damp ends to calm frizz. It feels and works exactly like a natural alternative to silicone-heavy serums, and it leaves hair soft, hydrated, and lightly scented.
For your Home
Olive oil as fuel for other things besides you and your loved ones–this time, light! These candles are easiest to make in a pinch, and are infinitely customizable with just a fruit peel, seasoning, or essential oil.
All you’ll need is a jar, a couple of inches of wick (#2 type works the best), and some olive oil. Any scent you want is optional but certainly welcomed. Try to avoid flammable or large add-ins as they could make your candle smoky or impede the wick from burning the oil. Cut the wick a couple of inches long. Wrap part of the wire or paper clip wire around one end of the wick. Wrap the other part around the rim of your jar so the wick can stay suspended partially above the oil. Then you’re good to light it and enjoy the candle (they’re long-lasting!). As long as your olive oil is clean, these candles contain no harmful chemicals and have a high smoke point so they don’t pollute your environment as a typical store-bought candle can.
Beyond beauty or in your home, olive oil works from the inside out. Its antioxidants and healthy fats help support heart health, calm general inflammation, and assist your body in absorbing nutrients. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, blend it into dressings, or even sip it. One way to do that? Well, look to our…
Recipe of the Week: Homemade Ceviche
Time for a snack break! Ceviche is a protein-rich salad made with fresh fish (or shrimp) cured with lime juice, then tossed with onions, cilantro, tomato, cucumber, and extra virgin olive oil.
Ingredients for Homemade Ceviche:
Instructions:
Enjoy with tortilla chips!
Cheers to good health and great olive oil.
This article has been edited by Grace Lyles.