The Good Oil: From the Tree of Life to Your Table
Elaia — ἐλαία — the Greek word for olive, and a symbol of peace, strength, and tradition. It’s also how we got our name. Nearly three decades ago, while sitting among shelves lined with tins of imported Greek olive oil and jars of olives, we were tossing around names for our little deli-turned-café. One tin caught our eye, and the rest is history.
Fast forward to today — the shelves have made way for tables, the deli cabinets now brim with house-made galaktoboureko, kourabiedes, and syrupy cakes. But our roots remain deep. We’ve carved out a small corner again, just like the old days, filled with imported Greek olive oils, handmade ξύλινα (wooden) grazing boards carved from olive wood, and other treasures from the motherland — from κρασιά (wines) to delicacies that bring Greece a little closer.
You already know the λάδι καλό — the good oil. Rich, peppery, and golden. Not just good for you, but good with everything. Drizzle it over warm bread, spoon it over grilled vegetables, or sip it straight like we do in the χωριό (village). Yes, we even have shot bottles for that.
But the olive tree — the δέντρο της ζωής (tree of life) — offers more than oil. Every part is used. The wood is carved into serving boards, mortar and pestles and salad servers and kitchen pieces that feel like they’ve been passed down. There’s a saying in Greece: “Όπου υπάρχει ελιά, υπάρχει ζωή.” — “Where there is an olive tree, there is life.”
This blog is about just that — the gifts of the olive tree, nothing wasted, everything treasured. From its roots to your kitchen table.
Καθίστε, φάτε, απολαύστε. Sit, eat, enjoy.
The Beauty of Olive Wood: Crafted by Time and Hand
There’s something deeply grounding about olive wood — the way it feels in your hands, the way its grain tells a story older than most trees in your garden. It's not just wood — it’s a piece of Greek land, shaped by slow time, sun, and care.
Greek olive trees, or Olea Europaea, don’t rush. They grow slow and steady, and it’s this patient rhythm that gives the wood its prized strength and density. The same patience is needed after the tree is cut — olive wood needs years to dry properly, sometimes up to three, so it won’t split or crack. Only then is it ready to be carved, often by hand, using traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations.
The pieces we carry — grazing boards, serving spoons, mortar and pestles — all begin their life as offcuts from old, unproductive trees or trimmings from seasonal pruning. Nothing is wasted. The wood is dried slowly, shaped carefully, and finished with natural oils like olive oil or beeswax. No chemicals, no shortcuts. Just time, skill, and a deep respect for the material.
And no two pieces are the same. That’s the beauty of it. Each swirl and knot in the grain is its own fingerprint — a little landscape of its own. When you pick up an olive wood board, you’re not just getting a beautiful and functional item for your kitchen — you're holding a piece of nature, of Greek history, of slow living.
Olive wood is known for its strength, its resistance to wear and decay, and its ability to age gracefully — just like the trees it comes from. Give it a little love every now and then with a rub of olive oil, and it’ll last you a lifetime, maybe even longer.
Whether you're gifting one to a friend or bringing it home to your own kitchen, these olive wood treasures are more than just tools — they’re heirloom pieces, made to serve, to share, and to be part of your table for years to come.
The Little Round One — Small in Size, Big in Charm
Don’t let its size fool you — this 20cm round olive wood board is a quiet achiever in the kitchen. Perfect for serving a wheel of cheese, a handful of olives, a wedge of crusty bread or even your morning toast, it’s the board you’ll reach for time and time again.
Whether you’re plating up a mezze snack for one, slicing fruit for your little one, or simply enjoying a slow breakfast moment, this board brings warmth and rustic beauty to even the simplest of meals. It’s not just a kitchen tool — it’s a little piece of Greece for your home.
A Showpiece for the Table — or the Picnic Rug
Measuring 40cm in length, these olive wood boards are just the right size for creating beautiful grazing spreads, whether you're hosting a long lunch, laying out a picnic under the gum trees, or simply putting on a good show for your guests at home.
These aren’t just serving boards — they’re pieces of the Greek countryside, ready to bring warmth, story, and a touch of filoxenia (Greek hospitality) to your table. Whether you use it to serve, to style, or simply to admire, it’s a piece that turns everyday moments into something special.
The Soul of the Kitchen — Olive Wood Mortar & Pestle
This beautiful mortar and pestle isn’t just for grinding herbs — it’s for slowing down, connecting with tradition, and bringing a little Greek magic into your kitchen.
Ideal for crushing garlic, spices, or herbs the old-fashioned way, this mortar and pestle is as practical as it is beautiful. Its weight and smooth finish make it a pleasure to use, while its rustic charm makes it just as at home on display as it is in use.
No two are alike. Each piece has its own shape, knots, and swirls — perfectly imperfect. That’s the beauty of it. Just like Greek cooking, it’s about feel, instinct, and heart.
To keep yours looking its best for years to come, give it a little love now and then with a rub of olive oil — nothing fancy, just what you’ve already got in the pantry.
Bring a Little Bit of Greece Home
Whether you're after a show-stopping grazing board, a hardworking mortar and pestle, or just the good oil to pour into your cooking, our collection celebrates the beauty, history, and honesty of the humble olive tree.
Browse our full range online or come in-store to see (and feel) the pieces for yourself — each one with its own story, grain, and charm. Don’t forget to check out our selection of Greek olive oils too — they’re as rich in flavour as they are in tradition.
And if you're curious to taste before you take home, keep an eye on our socials — we’ll be holding olive oil tastings at Elaia this week. Come sip, dip, and ἐλαία with us.
Efharistó — and see you soon at Elaia.
Ritsa & Perry Nicholas
Shop The Good Oil
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