Visit A Central Coast California Olive Farm
People make a big deal about visiting a winery, tasting the fruit of the vines, and enjoying the atmosphere as well as crusty bread and cheese that complement the wines. If you enjoy vineyard tours, you'll love a visit to a central coast California olive farm, where you can experience a variety of fine olive oils produced right on site. As for a wide choice of different tastes, you'll find that, too, in the various Tuscan or Italian style oils.
Descriptions of oils that describe the 'peppery taste' or the 'bold and assertive' flavor may not mean much to those of us used to the imported oils that we find on grocery store shelves. Visiting an olive farm will be the first step in your education. It could also be the highlight of your visit to the west coast.
The majority of central coast grove are family owned and operated, and many award-winning oils are produced there. These small groves are a deliberate mix of cultivars. Authorities agree that a mixed grove produces a better oil in the end, as do hand-raising and harvesting techniques. An extra virgin oil is blended and bottled within one day of harvest. Extreme care is taken to protect oils from heat and light during the process, as well as during storage.
Both ripe and green fruit is used to enhance the flavor, which is said to be so far above 'supermarket plonk' that novices may not recognize it as the same product. These artisan farmers take great pride in the oils they produce and look down on the imported oils many consumers take on faith as both healthy and tasty.
In California, there is a special seal awarded to oils that have met standards set by the Olive Growers Council, a quality-control organization. Chemical tests are followed by blind tastings by experts trained to detect defects such as rancidity or the presence of impurities. Oils that pass this annual assessment are then given the 'certified extra virgin' seal that is their highest mark of quality. The central region has its own competitions and awards, too.
And California oils are good. In 1900 one won the highest gold medal awarded at the Paris exposition. Central coast growers have won many international competitions held in California and abroad. Growers proudly point to their trees, which trace back to Tuscany or in some cases to trees planted at the first California missions founded by Spanish monks. This is saying a lot, because only two of those historic groves were left by the late 1800s. This historic preservation effort is just another thing that earns respect for the region's farmers.
Olives can only grow in dry, sunny, hot climates where winters are mild. For this reason, they are often grown along a southern seacoast. They need limestone soils that are well-drained and not too rich, which makes for sickly trees. When they are happy, they live for hundreds if not thousands of years. Fortunately, the Golden State has the 'terroir', or environment, to allow olives to flourish.
If you are intrigued with the idea of subtle nuances (as well as superior health benefits) of oils grown right here in the USA, visit the central coast and see what gourmets all over the world already know: The people of California know their olives. A whole world of health and good taste is awaiting you in the only place in the US that has what this venerable fruit needs.
Descriptions of oils that describe the 'peppery taste' or the 'bold and assertive' flavor may not mean much to those of us used to the imported oils that we find on grocery store shelves. Visiting an olive farm will be the first step in your education. It could also be the highlight of your visit to the west coast.
The majority of central coast grove are family owned and operated, and many award-winning oils are produced there. These small groves are a deliberate mix of cultivars. Authorities agree that a mixed grove produces a better oil in the end, as do hand-raising and harvesting techniques. An extra virgin oil is blended and bottled within one day of harvest. Extreme care is taken to protect oils from heat and light during the process, as well as during storage.
Both ripe and green fruit is used to enhance the flavor, which is said to be so far above 'supermarket plonk' that novices may not recognize it as the same product. These artisan farmers take great pride in the oils they produce and look down on the imported oils many consumers take on faith as both healthy and tasty.
In California, there is a special seal awarded to oils that have met standards set by the Olive Growers Council, a quality-control organization. Chemical tests are followed by blind tastings by experts trained to detect defects such as rancidity or the presence of impurities. Oils that pass this annual assessment are then given the 'certified extra virgin' seal that is their highest mark of quality. The central region has its own competitions and awards, too.
And California oils are good. In 1900 one won the highest gold medal awarded at the Paris exposition. Central coast growers have won many international competitions held in California and abroad. Growers proudly point to their trees, which trace back to Tuscany or in some cases to trees planted at the first California missions founded by Spanish monks. This is saying a lot, because only two of those historic groves were left by the late 1800s. This historic preservation effort is just another thing that earns respect for the region's farmers.
Olives can only grow in dry, sunny, hot climates where winters are mild. For this reason, they are often grown along a southern seacoast. They need limestone soils that are well-drained and not too rich, which makes for sickly trees. When they are happy, they live for hundreds if not thousands of years. Fortunately, the Golden State has the 'terroir', or environment, to allow olives to flourish.
If you are intrigued with the idea of subtle nuances (as well as superior health benefits) of oils grown right here in the USA, visit the central coast and see what gourmets all over the world already know: The people of California know their olives. A whole world of health and good taste is awaiting you in the only place in the US that has what this venerable fruit needs.
About the Author:
Central Coast California olive farm provides the highest quality extra virgin olive oil. To buy online, visit this website now at http://sanpauloolivefarm.com.