Where does the olive wood come from and its characteristics?
The olive wood comes from the olive tree Olea species. Trees in this family are the Olea Europaea and Olea Capenis distributed in Europe, Eastern African, and the Mediterranean. The trees have a twisted physique (probably why they have unique patterns) and can grow from 25 to 50 feet. Although the average lifespan of an olive tree is about 600 years, it grows up to thousands of years. Despite the dispute about where the oldest olive tree is located, one fact is that the oldest living fruits bearing olive tree in the world is over 2,000 years. It is located in Crete, Greece, but there are others in other regions claiming to be the oldest. However, the tree in Crete is one that you can go see. Olive trees have been grown for over 5,000 years in these regions for food and the medicinal properties the oils provide. Well, until recently, when furniture experts and the woodworking communities saw and appreciated the qualities of the wood. Its pattern, grain design, and more plus its hardness is used in many areas like kitchenware, household items, jewelry, and even flooring. Other uses of olive wood are for making high-end furniture, veneers, knife handles, carving, artwork frames, and small utensils.
Hardness and texture
The wood is dense, making it heavy with a fine grain texture. The grain texture varies from straight; wild to interlock that is uninformed or not, creating unique patterns on the surface.
This quality of olive wood lends itself perfectly to being a high use, everyday item in the kitchen!
Even top restaurants in Singapore, such as now closed Restaurant Andre - by celebrity chief Andre, used Scanwood for serving in a commercial setting. Attesting to not only the level of sophistication of the wood type, but also the usability in a 'high use' situation.
Colour
The rich, intense cream or brownish hue is the reason why this wood is highly sought after for household furniture and use. The colour goes from light olive colour to brown and elegant black, which is said to deepen according to the age of the tree. These streaks continue to pop as long as it is properly maintained.
Odour
It has a distinct scent like that of olive but deeper. It is not unpleasant, as some have even described it as fruity. This aroma remains within the wood as long as you continue to use it.
Resistant to rot/dryness
How you maintain the wood will determine if it will rot. However, this wood does not dry out like other wooden kitchenware with time or use. Furthermore, its dense, oily nature of olives is also applicable to the wood. Professional woodworkers will treat the wood to avoid it buckling or wrapping in the future.
Durability
This property makes it the best wood for making kitchenware and other indoor items. However, like all wood, it is susceptible to insect attacks, especially borers.
With proper maintenance, it should remain intact for years to come.
How to maintain Olive wood Kitchenware?
- Washing and drying - follow our suggested technique for washing and storing your Olive Wood items
- Oiling - Yes kind of like a car, but with a different type of oil
- Sanitising - Wood is still porous and once a year or two, it may make sense to give it a 'deep clean;' or sanitisation via the method we suggest
- Neutralising - similar to the reason we sanitise olive wood kitchenware, sometimes when we are cooking with 'heavy' ingredients, there may be a lingering smell. Trust our process to ensure your beautiful Olive Wood continues to smell amazing!
- Polishing your wood - It is suggested that from time to time you use either olive oil and/ or beeswax solution to wipe the surface of your olive board. When opting for the beeswax, remember to choose food-friendly products that are turpentine-free. The olive oil prevents dryness and the wax creates a protective seal on the surface.
