Picture a handful of plump, succulent, golden haloed olives; now a couple of green ones pierced by a dainty toothpick in your martini. Imagine them julienned in your hummus or sautéed in your stew. Can you see yourself pouring a tablespoon of its luminous oil as it crackles in joy in your non-stick pan? You must’ve come across a popular image of olive leaves in a dove’s beak, a timeless symbol of peace. Now picture these leaves in your tea. Did your train of culinary thoughts come to an abrupt halt? Let’s begin at the very beginning.