Amurca facts for kids

Amurca is a special liquid that comes from unfiltered olive oil. Imagine olive oil that hasn't been completely cleaned; over time, a dark, bitter, watery layer settles at the bottom. That's amurca! It's also sometimes called "olive oil lees".

Long ago, people found many clever ways to use amurca. Famous ancient writers like Cato the Elder and Pliny the Elder wrote about it. Cato, in his book De Agri Cultura, listed many uses for this seemingly simple byproduct.

What is Amurca?

Amurca is basically the leftover liquid and sediment from making olive oil. When olives are pressed, the oil separates, but some water, tiny bits of olive, and other natural substances remain. This mixture settles and becomes amurca. It has a strong, bitter taste and a dark color.

Historical Uses of Amurca

Ancient Romans and Greeks were very resourceful. They didn't waste anything, especially something as common as amurca from olive oil production. They discovered it had many practical uses around the farm and home.

Amurca for Building and Protection

• Building Material: Amurca was mixed into mortar or plaster to make buildings stronger. It helped these materials last longer and resist damage.
• Pest Control: Farmers used amurca to protect their crops. They would spray it on plants to keep away harmful insects and other pests. It acted like an early form of pesticide.
• Weed Killer: Amurca could also be used as a herbicide. Pouring it on unwanted plants helped to stop them from growing, keeping fields clear for crops.

Amurca for Plants and Animals

• Plant Food: Amurca was a kind of dietary supplement for trees. Farmers would add it to the soil around olive trees and other plants to help them grow better and stay healthy. It provided nutrients that the plants needed.
• Animal Feed: Even farm animals benefited! Oxen, which were important for plowing fields, were sometimes given amurca as a supplement to their food. This helped keep them strong for their hard work.

Amurca for Household and Farm Maintenance

• Food Preservative: In ancient times, keeping food fresh was a big challenge. Amurca was used to help preserve certain foods, making them last longer without spoiling.
• Leather Care: Leather items, like straps and bags, needed to be kept soft and strong. Amurca was applied to leather to maintain it, preventing it from drying out and cracking.
• Metal and Pottery Cleaner: People used amurca to clean and polish bronze vessels and vases. It helped to remove tarnish and make them shine.
• Firewood Treatment: To make fires burn cleaner and produce less smoke, firewood was sometimes treated with amurca. This was useful for cooking indoors or for keeping homes warm.

An Amurca pit at an oil mill in the province of Jaén, Spain. This is where the liquid would collect.

See also

In Spanish: Amurca para niños