A decade ago, olive oil was rarely used in our home. I grew up using Crisco and Wesson oils for general cooking. Now, olive oil is the oil I use most for cooking. Costco has one that is very user friendly for those who aren't sure they love olive oil. It's mild flavor plays well with vegetables and meats.
We have a darling little shop in Peoria Heights called Olio and Vino where they have an amazing assortment of flavor infused olive oils and vinegars. It is easy to spend an hour looking at the many options and trying out combinations.
Olive oil has many health benefits and uses. It is a gentle make-up remover, even on stubborn liners and mascaras. It hydrates the skin. It is thought to be good in the prevention of Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, arthritis, blood sugar issues and it is good for strengthening bones. It seems like scientists are always finding another reason for consumers to choose olive oil over other oils. It has healing qualities.
Olive oil has long been used in anointing oils used for religious purposes. To anoint with oil is to seek healing or offer a blessing from God like the anointing of a king. It was occasionally used on inanimate objects, setting the item apart for religious purposes.
"The Lord said to Moses, “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin[about 4 quarts] of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil." -Exodus 30:22-25
A simple gratitude for an item that has been in use for thousands of years without very little change.
Today, I am grateful for olive oil.
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