olive odyssey

Olive oil from Palestine

/ Tracy Abell / 7 Comments

Today I’m grateful for the delivery of these bottles of olive oil that strengthen my connection to Palestine and our shared humanity. They arrived from the farming collective known as Olive Odyssey.

Per Olive Odyssey’s About page:

Our journey began amidst the rolling olive groves of Palestine, where we aim to connect  farmers from diverse corners of the land to come together with a shared purpose. Our mission is simple yet profound: to tell the story of the Palestinian people through the medium of olive oil. With each drop, we paint a portrait of connection to the land and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Their commitment to sustainable practices especially resonates in this very moment as wildfires rage and air quality is literally hazardous in so many parts of North America, not to mention the endless bombing and destruction in the Middle East.  Knowing that Palestinian farmers continue to work their land and tend to their olive trees is balm for my soul.

Our roots are entwined with Palestine’s soil, and every member of our collective carries this deep connection. Born and raised in this land, we consider ourselves a family – a family that extends beyond borders to encompass every farmer, every enthusiast, and every plate our olive oil graces. Together, we form a circle of support, nurturing not only olive trees but also the futures of Palestinian families.

I’m grateful Zippy continues to purchase from Olive Odyssey, making us part of that circle of support for the olive trees and Palestinian families.

Free Palestine!

Olive Odyssey: olive oil from Palestine

/ Tracy Abell / 3 Comments

Zippy is the chef of our household (while I fill the role of “grateful eater of all he prepares”), and when he decided his cooking was in need of some olive oil from Palestine, he placed an order with Olive Odyssey. Our olive oil arrived today!

But we didn’t only receive the bottle of olive oil. The package also contained an organic fabric bag and a post card with the above picture on the front and this message on the back:

It feels so good to hold that bottle in our hands and feel the connection with Palestinian farmers who lovingly care for their olive trees, land, and traditions. Shared humanity for the win!

eta: I just realized the bottle has other info, including that this olive oil is from farmer  Abed Al-salam Bargouti and that it was sourced from “Rumi olive trees nestled in the hills of Aboud village at the heart of Palestine’s Ramallah region.”