Travel with Canaan + Summer Salad Recipe

Have you heard about Canaan Olive Oil?

Canaan is a Fair Trade company in the West Bank that produces delicious olive oil as well as other olive products.  Canaan encourages people to come see their farms and facilities; to experience the age old delicacies the “Land of Milk and Honey” has to offer.  Below is a picture of Madeline, who just started working at our Seattle store, and Laila, who gave Madeline and her father a tour when they went to visit.

“Two years ago I had the opportunity to visit the factory where their olive oils are produced and packaged! My father and I were given a tour of a few of the olive groves, the packaging facility and the gift store. The workers we met were very enthusiastic about their business and pride in their work was very evident.”

– Madeline

The need for economic development in the region is severe. The market for business has been constrained due to political conflict in Israel and the West Bank. In order to provide economic stability for the largest number of people, Canaan has used a networking model to connect small farmers into a larger cooperative. Through this system Canaan works with 1,700 farm families throughout the West Bank. The presence and stability of Canaan is an extremely valuable resource for the olive famers of the West Bank.

Here’s a simple recipe inspired by what Madeline got to taste in the Canaan gift store and perfect for this time of year:

Fresh Summer Salad

2 chopped tomatoes
1 peeled and chopped cucumber
3 tablespoons of fresh, chopped parsley
3 tablespoons of Canaan Nebali Tree Olive Oil (fruity with medium body and a lingering peppery finish)
½ teaspoon salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and serve!

Want to travel to The Land of Milk and Honey?  Join Canaan for their Olive Harvest Tour at the end of October.  Or click here for a virtual tour of their facilities.

What’s your favorite thing to make with Fair Trade Olive Oil?  Salads are easiest, but you can use it in spreads & baked goods too!