Jenin's Cold Pressed Olive Oil - Slightly Bitter [2024 Harvest]

Jenin sits at the northern edge of the West Bank, nestled between the rugged hills of Jabal Nablus and the fertile Jezreel Valley. Known in ancient times as Ein-Ganim — “the spring of gardens” — Jenin has been a place of cultivation and resilience for thousands of years. Archeological records trace its name to the Amarna letters of 14th century BCE Egypt and biblical texts referencing Gina and Beth Haggan, identifying it as a center of life and agriculture even in the earliest records of Canaan.

Through Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Ayyubid, and Mamluk eras, Jenin remained a modest but strategic town—often overlooked politically but rich in natural resources and spring-fed farmland. The city’s role expanded under the Ottoman Empire, when it became an administrative and agricultural hub within the Sanjak of Lajjun. Generations of farmers cultivated wheat, olives, and barley in the valleys surrounding the city—forming the economic backbone of the region long before national borders were drawn.

But Jenin's story is also one of repeated displacement, destruction, and resistance.

In 1948, many of the surrounding Palestinian villages were depopulated, and Jenin absorbed thousands of refugees who were forced from their homes during the Nakba. These families were housed in what became the Jenin Refugee Camp, established in 1953 and still in existence today. For many, Jenin became both a last refuge and a lasting symbol of what was lost.

Since 1967, Jenin has been under Israeli military occupation, with brief administrative transfers under the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. While officially designated as “Area A,” under Palestinian Authority control, Israeli military raids have continued regularly, especially in the refugee camp. Jenin has become known not only as a place of heritage, but as one of the strongest symbols of resistance in the West Bank. It has endured curfews, airstrikes, targeted killings, and urban destruction, particularly during the Second Intifada and in ongoing operations since 2023.

The Jenin refugee camp, with its population of over 17,000 people living in less than half a square kilometer, has been a flashpoint in Israeli-Palestinian confrontations. While the camp has been described in military terms by the Israeli state, many Palestinians see it as a community trapped in a cycle of imposed violence and collective punishment. Civilian infrastructure — including hospitals, schools, water systems, and electricity — has been repeatedly damaged or destroyed, most recently in large-scale incursions throughout 2024 and 2025.

And yet, Jenin continues.

It continues to grow olives. It continues to raise families. And it continues to hold onto a heritage older than any wall or occupation. The land itself, especially in the fields surrounding the city, continues to be worked by families who have never stopped believing in their right to care for it — to harvest, to press, to share.

This bottle of olive oil was harvested from a privately owned grove planted by hand and maintained by a farmer whose family has lived and farmed in Jenin for over 150 years. He and his brothers still operate multiple local mills — not as a business venture, but as a lifeline. On his land, he uses companion planting techniques — placing other crops among the olive trees — to foster growth without chemicals or commercial shortcuts. His groves sit near the dividing wall, overlooking the towns of Rumana and Umm al-Fahm, and the reality of partition is never out of sight.

To buy this oil is to bring that reality into your kitchen.

But more than that, it is to carry forward a living history — one rooted in patience, place, and purpose.

Store in a cool, dry place, shielded from direct sunlight or heat.

This olive oil maintains optimal quality for a minimum of two years. Beyond this period, while there may be a slight reduction in acidity and phenol levels, it remains suitable for use.

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
2. Heart Health: The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are known to support heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil can help alleviate inflammation throughout the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Vitamin Boost: Besides vitamin E, olive oil also contains vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
5. Digestive Health: Olive oil can aid digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and helping to regulate bowel movements, contributing to a healthy digestive system.

🌍 Shipping Information

We ship locally from six regional warehouses to ensure fast delivery with no customs duties or import fees.

🇺🇸 USA: 1–5 business days

🇨🇦 Canada: 1–5 business days

🇬🇧 UK: Royal Mail 24–48 hours

🇪🇺 EU (EEA): 1–6 business days

🇦🇺 Australia: 1–5 business days

🇦🇪 UAE & Gulf Countries: 1–5 business days

Orders placed before 12 PM (local time) ship the same day. All others ship next business day.

Our olive oil is shipped to you with a traditional fabric bag, designed to to make Labaneh - one of the best combinations with olive oil.

Step-by-step guide to make Labaneh

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, so we offer a 30-day return policy for all orders. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your order, please contact our customer service team to initiate a return. Please note that the item must be unused and in its original packaging to be eligible for a return. Once we receive your returned item, we will process your refund or exchange within 5 business days.