MICHELE SHAMIYEH WAS visiting Lebanon in 2003 when she discovered the versatile charms of olive-oil soap. "I found that I could use it for everything," said Ms. Shamiyeh, 33, who was born in ...

The soap hardens and cures for weeks until being packaged, sent away. Since the 10th Century, zaitoun — olive — has been transformed into these creamy bricks of castile soap.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. What does a belly dancer have to do with olives? Not a whole lot. But for the owners of Grandma's Little Bakery at Fedra Olive Grove ...