It is thought that there is an olive tree in Italy that is 3500 years old . The production and use of it goes back even further. Olive oil has been a panacea for thousands of years to all the populations of the Mediterranean. Most of the countryside that is not covered in grapevines is covered in olive trees. Med folk have the lowest cardiac complications of any population due mainly to the consumption of olive oil which is basically used in everything. Forget the calories, the ultimate way to experience a top quality extra virgin olive oil is simply dribbled over some lightly toasted rustic Tuscan bread rubbed with garlic and a little sprinkle of salt. Delishimo!