Why olive wood kitchen utensils are more expensive – and why they are worth it

Many people who hold a cutting board, a wooden spoon, or a salad bowl made of olive wood for the first time are impressed by the extraordinary grain and the warm play of colors. At the same time, the question often arises: Why do kitchen utensils made of olive wood cost more than products made from other types of wood?

In this article, you will learn why olive wood is priced as it is—and why it is still an investment that pays off in the long run.

Rare wood from decades of growth

Olive wood is one of the noblest and rarest types of wood in the world. The olive tree grows extremely slowly. On average, it takes many decades for a tree to reach a significant trunk diameter. Unlike plantation woods like acacia or fast-growing bamboo, large quantities cannot be reproduced in a short time.

The wood is obtained exclusively from trees that have reached their natural end of life or need to be felled for agricultural reasons—such as because they no longer bear fruit after decades. This sustainable use is the reason why supply remains limited and the price rises.

Our olive wood kitchen utensils come from a traditional craft region around Sfax in Tunisia. The olive trees there grow in dry soils and under intense sunlight. The result: particularly dense annual rings and an exceptionally robust wood structure that is appreciated worldwide.

Elaborate processing instead of industrial mass production

In addition to limited availability, the processing of the wood plays a central role in the price. While other types of wood can be easily processed by machines, olive wood is a challenge due to its hardness and irregular grain.

Each kitchen utensil is created in several elaborate steps. First, the wood is slowly and controlledly dried to avoid cracks. It is then cut by hand and brought into rough shapes. Only after this follows careful sanding in many steps until all edges are perfectly smoothed.

The final treatment with natural olive oil or food-safe vegetable oil is also done by hand. This oiling gives the surface its warm shine and keeps it permanently protected. This craftsmanship not only ensures quality but also the higher price compared to machine-produced kitchen helpers made of mass wood or plastic.

Unique grain: Each piece is one of a kind

A characteristic feature of olive wood is its unique grain. No cutting board is like another—the wavy lines, color gradients, and contrasts arise through decades of growth.

This natural beauty cannot be artificially created or imitated. Each kitchen utensil is a true one-of-a-kind piece. Anyone who chooses a product made of olive wood brings a piece of natural history into the kitchen—with an individual look that delights in both modern and classic kitchens alike.

Particularly robust and durable

Olive wood is one of the hardest woods in Europe. Its high density makes it extremely resistant to cuts, pressure, and moisture. Properly maintained, a cutting board or cooking spoon made of olive wood can last for decades without becoming brittle or warping.

Compared to cheaper alternatives like bamboo or acacia, olive wood products prove to be significantly more durable in everyday use. They withstand intense use, are more cut-resistant, and hardly absorb odors. Especially those who cook or bake frequently benefit from this robust quality.

Many customers report that they have been using their olive wood utensils daily for many years – and they become more beautiful over time.

Antibacterial properties for more hygiene

Another advantage that makes olive wood a valuable material is its natural antibacterial effect. Studies show that germs and bacteria hardly survive on the dense, oil-rich surface of olive wood.

This means: Even without chemical coatings, the wood remains hygienic. This aspect is particularly important for cutting boards and kitchen helpers that come into contact with food daily.

With regular care – such as oiling – the protective effect is permanently maintained.

Sustainability through conscious use

In times of increasing environmental pollution, sustainability plays a crucial role in the selection of kitchen utensils. Olive wood meets several criteria here:

• No felling of healthy trees: Only old trees are processed.
• Resource conservation: The high durability reduces waste and the need for replacement products.
• Short transport routes: Production takes place entirely in the Mediterranean region, not overseas.
• Natural refinement: Without chemical lacquers or sealants.

Those who use olive wood choose a product that is created in harmony with nature and tradition and saves resources in the long term due to its durability.

A piece of Mediterranean culture in your own kitchen

Olive wood is far more than just a practical material – it stands for Mediterranean lifestyle, enjoyment, and craftsmanship. For centuries, artisan families in Tunisia, Greece, or Italy have been making kitchen helpers from this noble wood.

Each product bears the traces of traditional manufacturing techniques and the history of decades-long tree growth. Thus, a cutting board or cooking spoon made of olive wood becomes a special companion in everyday life – and a beautiful symbol of quality and mindfulness.

Conclusion: Quality that pays off

Olive wood kitchen utensils are not only more expensive but also more valuable than many other products. Their unique appearance, exceptional durability, natural hygienic properties, and sustainable origin make them a conscious choice for quality and craftsmanship.

Anyone who has experienced how olive wood feels in the hand and how it becomes more beautiful over time understands why it is worth every cent.

Tip:
Do you want to learn more about the proper care of olive wood? In our guide, we show you how to optimally clean and maintain cutting boards and kitchen utensils so that they bring you joy for decades: Properly care for olive wood.