Olive Oil Pop Up Sale!

This week at the CSA Iyas Albarghouthi will be joining us to sell bottles of extra virgin olive oil brought to Tucson directly from his family’s land in Aboud, Palestine. The area has a long history of olive oil production and we are excited to have the chance to buy some direct from the family!

From Iyas: Our family’s olive trees grow wild on the terraced hillsides above the West Bank, rooted in mineral-rich soil and nourished only by seasonal rainfall. These trees are ancient and untamed, never irrigated or chemically treated. The harsh, dry climate and rocky terrain push the trees to produce fewer olives, but ones that are rich, dense, and bursting with natural oils.

Each olive is hand-harvested during the early 2024 to 2025 season, picked before they fully ripen to capture a brighter, more complex flavor. This early harvest technique results in a smaller yield, but a more vibrant oil. Every olive is selected by hand, not machine, which allows us to carefully choose only the healthiest fruit. The steep, uneven terrain makes this work slow and physical. It requires patience, attention, and a deep respect for the land.

Because the olives are pressed within hours of harvest, their freshness is preserved. The resulting oil is full-bodied and aromatic, with a rich green hue and a taste that is both grassy and peppery. There is a slight bitterness that gives way to warmth, a depth of flavor that tells the story of the soil, the rain, and the people who still work this land with their hands.

Every bottle carries the resilience of the people who refuse to let their traditions disappear, even in the face of hardship. It’s Aboud, known as the “Village of Flowers,” is one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in Palestine, with roots that trace back to the Canaanite era. Aboud’s residents, both Christian and Muslim, continue to preserve their shared history and culture, demonstrating remarkable unity and resilience. Today, Aboud stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of its people and their unwavering connection to their land and faith.