The Olive Route

Synopsis

In the terrific bestselling olive series by writer and actress Carol Drinkwater, bestselling author of THE FORGOTTEN SUMMER

'She writes so well you can almost smell the sun-baked countryside' BELLA

'Spellbinding' CHOICE

'One cannot resist Drinkwater's courage and joie de vivre, nor the enormous appetite and enthusiasm for her subject' Wendy Holden DAILY MAIL

Since Carol Drinkwater moved to an olive farm in France she has developed a passion for the olive tree and the culture that has grown up around it. From the eastern shores of the shimmering Mediterranean to its western coast this fruit is farmed. Its silvery-green branches have inspired painters and poets, but who first pressed its 'bitter berry' and transformed it into liquid gold?

In quest of its secrets and traditions, Carol embarked on a solo adventure round the Mediterranean basin. Transporting readers across the olive's ancient paths, celebrating its venerable past, tracking trade routes, unearthing unlikely stories, encountering peoples of today and bygone times, Carol comes full circle, back to her farm in the sun-baked Provençal hills.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Passion

* Introduces the author, Yamila Abraham, and her childhood fascination with olives.
* Describes the history and significance of olives in Mediterranean cultures.

Example: Yamila recalls her grandmother's olive trees in Argentina, evoking memories of family gatherings and the aroma of freshly pressed olive oil.

Chapter 2: The Olive Tree: A Symbol of Resilience

* Explores the botanical characteristics and adaptability of olive trees.
* Discusses their role in ancient religions, mythology, and symbolism.

Example: The Olive Tree of Vouves in Crete is an ancient olive tree that has survived centuries of drought, war, and natural disasters, symbolizing resilience and endurance.

Chapter 3: The Olive Harvest

* Describes the traditional and modern methods of olive harvesting.
* Captures the atmosphere of the harvest season and the role of community.

Example: Yamila visits an olive grove in Tuscany, Italy, where she experiences the manual harvesting of olives by skilled workers using rakes and nets.

Chapter 4: The Art of Olive Oil Production

* Explains the different stages of olive oil production, from pressing the olives to bottling the oil.
* Explores the factors that influence the flavor and quality of olive oil.

Example: Yamila visits a modern olive oil mill in Spain, where she witnesses the entire production process, from the crushing of the olives to the final filtration.

Chapter 5: The World of Olive Varieties

* Introduces the diverse range of olive varieties grown around the world.
* Describes their unique characteristics and culinary applications.

Example: Yamila samples different olive varieties at the International Olive Oil Competition in Ancona, Italy, each with its distinct flavor profile and intended use.

Chapter 6: Beyond the Olive Oil

* Explores the various uses of olives and their byproducts.
* Discusses their nutritional value and potential health benefits.

Example: Yamila learns about the production of olive leaf tea, a beverage rich in antioxidants, and the use of olive wood in carving and furniture making.

Chapter 7: The Olive Route: A Journey of Discovery

* Describes the author's travels to olive-growing regions in the Mediterranean Sea.
* Highlights the cultural and historical significance of these areas.

Example: Yamila visits the ancient city of Carthage in Tunisia, where she learns about the role of olives in Phoenician civilization.

Chapter 8: The Olive Grove: A Place of Heritage and Tradition

* Explores the cultural traditions and rituals associated with olive trees and olive oil production.
* Discusses the importance of preserving these practices for future generations.

Example: Yamila attends a traditional olive oil festival in Greece, where local residents celebrate the harvest and share their knowledge and customs.