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What is olive wood and where does it come from?

Olive wood comes from olive trees, which are known for their beautiful grain and strong, dense wood. It's mainly collected as a helpful by-product when older olive trees stop producing fruit. The majority of olive trees grow near the Mediterranean in countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Tunisia and parts of the Middle East. Since olive trees are cherished for the olives and oil they produce, healthy trees are usually not cut down.

Benefits of Olive Wood

  • Very Hygienic: The wood's tight, closed grain and natural oils make it highly resistant and naturally antibacterial.
  • Extremely Hard: Olive wood is extremely hard and dense. It is significantly harder than many other common hardwoods, such as oak or maple, ensuring it won't warp or crack easily in heat.
  • Gentle: Because of its smooth finish and durability, it is very common and ideal for kitchenware. It will not scratch delicate non-stick coatings or ceramics.
  • Unique Aesthetics: Slow growth produces dramatic, vibrant, and swirling grain patterns. Each piece is unique, making no two pieces identical.
  • Sustainable and Eco-friendly: Olive wood is often sourced from older trees that no longer produce fruit, guaranteeing the material doesn't go to waste.

Best to worst oils for olive wood

1. Mineral Oil

  • Why: Industry standard. Never spoils. Odorless. Cheap and very effective.

2. Coconut Oil

  • Why: Fats removed. Stays liquid. Won't spoil.

3. Walnut Oil

  • Why: Dries hard. Protective finish. Risk for nut allergies.

4. Raw Linseed & Flaxseed Oil

  • Why: Hardens naturally. Very slow drying. Food-safe.

5. Olive Oil & Avocado Oil

  • Why: Non-drying oils. Get sticky.

6. Canola Oil & Vegetable Oil

  • Why: Spoils fastest. Usually creates a bad smell. Not recommended.

Care Instructions

While olive wood is extremely hard and durable, it still requires proper care to last a lifetime.

1. Clean and Dry

  • Wash: Use warm water. Dish soap is optional.
  • Never soak: Soaking wood can cause warping and cracking.
  • Dry immediately: Hand-dry with a towel. Let it air-dry.

2. Apply the Oil

  • Choose right: Use food-grade mineral oil or coconut oil as these are the two best oils.
  • Pour: Apply a generous amount onto the dry wood.
  • Spread evenly: Rub the oil using a clean cloth or paper towel.
  • Let it soak: Let the olive wood absorb the oil for 20 to 30 minutes.

3. Buff the Surface (Optional)

  • Wipe excess oil: Take a new paper towel or clean cloth and wipe off any excess oil.

4. Frequency

  • Be aware: Redo all the steps whenever the olive wood looks dry, gray, or dull.
  • How often: For kitchen items used daily, treat them using the exact steps above every two weeks to once a month.

Enjoy!