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Book Review
Green Gold - The Story of
Lebanese Olive Oil
written by Sabina Mahfoud
Publisher:
Turning Point, March 2007
Hardback Coffee
Table Book
164 pages
ISBN: 9953-0-026-3
RRP: US$35
Lebanon is
steeped in history and turmoil. It has been invaded and occupied by
almost everyone who has an interest in the Middle East. Today, its
strategic position in the continuing tussle between countries
surrounding it shows that this situation is likely to continue.
The one constant
throughout centuries of conflict is the olive tree and its nutritious
oil. Sabina Mahfoud tells how the fabric of Lebanese culture is woven
around these ancient trees, as if they provide peace and stability in
the surrounding violent chaos.
She travels to
all the main olive growing regions and seeks out the stories of the
olive groves and the people and villages that surround them. Weaving
together the science and folklore Sabina, sensitively tells a story of
the Lebanese olive oil industry struggling to become commercial while
respecting its traditional past.
The photographs
by Roger Moukarzel capture the landscape and the hardship etched in the
faces of the older traditional farmers. The new generation of younger
unlined faces enthusiastically talk of the new age of world quality
Lebanese olive oil.
Mine-laced olive
groves, a legacy of recent occupation, provide the paradox and instil
reality into the divine world of the olive.
The book ends
with chapters on Lebanese cuisine and classic recipes by Mary Elizabeth
Sabieh for vegetable, meat and fish dishes – all with generous use of
the ubiquitous olive oil.
For those that
wish to explore the commercial emergence of the Lebanese olive industry,
the Appendices have lists and contact details of olive oil producers and
distributors.
Green Gold is
more than a coffee table book, it is a complete reference on the
Lebanese olive industry from ancient to modern times. It is a great read
for olive enthusiasts and a worthwhile addition to any olive library.
For further
info on where to purchase Green Gold, please contact Turning Point on
turningpoint@sodetel.net.lb or call 00961 1 752 100.
Simon Field
Olive Business
November 2007 |
