Gifts of Sonoma

Although the olive tree originated in Asia, it has been cultivated for over 3,000 years in mediterranean countries, where much of the olive crop is used to make olive oil. In this process, olives are pitted and ground to a thick pulp. The pulp is then pressed to remove the juices, which are placed in a centrifuge to separate the water from the oil. One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, but the fat is mostly monounsaturated; it has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels and is easily digested. In those countries where olive oil is consumed extensively, such as Greece, Italy and Spain, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil protects the body's digestive tract. Ancient civilizations used olive oil to help heal wounds. Today, it is considered a good  remedy for skin problems and an effective moisturizer.

Olive Oil Remedies To Moisturize Skin: Apply daily to dry spots or stretch marks.  For a specail moisturizing treatment, massage into skin over entire body and wrap yourself in a sheet or large towel for 30 minutes.  Shower off for silky smooth skin. Controlling Blood Cholesterol: The monounsaturated fats in olive oil have been known to help lower LDL (bad) choleserol without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol or triglyceride levels.  to lower cholesterol, approximately 15% of your daily calories should come from monounsaturated fats.  Whenever possible, use olive oil in place of butter or other oils. To Aid Digestion: Take 1 tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and relieve upset stomach, flatuence and heartburn. Hand and Nail Treatment: Olive oil can help build stong fingernails and soften cuticles.  Before bed, soak your nails in a mixture of lukewarm olive oil and lemon juice.  Put on soft cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight.  Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping.

 

Lavender and Olive Oil Dip

Ingredients

½ C olive oil

1Tb sea salt

1 tsp culinary lavender blossoms

 

Instructions

Combine in a small bowl. Dip with your favorite French bread. Enjoy!

 

Basic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

3/4 C olive oil

1/4 C balsamic vinegar

1 tsp sea salt or tamari soy sauce

1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

 

Instructions

Combine in a small bowl or shake in a closed jar. 

 

Zesty Salad Dressing

Ingredients

1 C of olive oil or meyer lemon olive oil

Juice of two or three lemons

1/2 Lavender Celtic Sea Salt

1/4 Fresh Cracked Pepper

1 clove garlic, crushed and minced

 

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients and enjoy!  This is also delicious as a marinate for fish, meats and vegetables.