The Essence of the Olive: Al’Ard Holy Land Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The Christian population of the West Bank has dwindled over the past century, particularly around Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. In 1950, Christians made up approximately 84% of Bethlehem’s population; by 2007, that share had fallen to about 28%, and today, estimates place it about 11%.  The decline reflects a combination of emigration, limited economic opportunities, and political instability. Tourism, an essential source of income for Bethlehem’s families, has also suffered repeated disruptions, particularly during this current period of conflict. Despite these challenges, Christian families continue to maintain churches, traditions, and ties to the land their ancestors have cultivated for generations, preserving a living Christian presence in one of the most historically significant places in the faith.

Representatives of Christians in the Holy Land visited various churches in the Arlington Diocese this month emphasizing these demographic trends and limited economic opportunities.  They also provided opportunities to purchase hand carved olive wood statues and Al’Ard Holy Land Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Olive oil from the West Bank comes from some of the oldest cultivated groves in the world, tended by families who have farmed the same terraces for generations. Two traditional olive varieties, Rumi and Nabali, reflect this deep agricultural heritage. Rumi is an ancient variety associated with the region’s historic olive-growing traditions, while Nabali, particularly Nabali Baladi, is one of the area's principal cultivars, valued for its suitability for olive oil production and its adaptation to the region’s largely rain-fed farming conditions. Oils produced from these olives can offer a distinctive Mediterranean character, with fresh green aromas, herbal notes, and a peppery finish, although flavor varies with the variety, harvest timing, and production methods. Nabali olive oil is known for its phenolic compounds, which contribute to its bitterness and pungency.  

Al’Ard does not stipulate the varietal blend for the Holy Land Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil but I would suspect that it is higher in the Rumi variety since the olive oil has a green and herbal character with less bitterness as expected. It is very approachable for those seeking a smoother profile.