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Olive Oil: the Ex-libris of the Region

Since about 3000 BC, the olive tree was already cultivated, however there are historical records that this precious oil it was already used by the peoples of Mesopotamia for about 6000 years during the winter to keep them warm in Winter or during battles, anointing themselfs with it.

From Egypt to ancient Greece where the god Posidon, with a blow of his trident, would have made a beautiful and strong horse and in which the goddess Athena brought an olive tree capable of producing oil to lighten the night, soothe the pain of the wounded and to serve as a precious food, rich in flavor and energy, or even in the story they tell about the origin of the city of Rome, in which Romulus and Remus, considered descendants of the gods and founders of the city, would have seen the light of day by first time under the branches of the olive tree.

In addition to being present in all these historical moments, it also played a very important role in religion: Between the Jews the oil had a great importance in the cults as to the offering of sacrifices to God, symbolizing the its presence among men and in the Bible, oil is used as a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit (God).

Did you know that in Portugal, olive oil was one of the first products to be exported?

Yes, this product is of fundamental importance in our economy and region, as Moura olive oil has a protected origin and it is an oil of excellent quality, which has been proven to be very beneficial for our health, particularly for the reduction of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.

Did you know to produce 1lt. of olive oil are needed, on average, 5 to 6 kg of olives? And that in Moura we have a museum dedicated to the manufacture of this 'liquid gold'?

At the Lagar de Varas do Fojo, which dates back to 1810 and remained in operation until 1941, we can find a faithful testimony production of olive oil without the use of machines, prior to industrialization. Its authenticity and its state of conservation make the Lagar de Varas do Fojo a rare specimen in the Iberian Peninsula.

So we look forward to your visit so that you can taste this very precious food first hand!