Who Grows More Olives? Us or Europe?
Olive oil production in the US has been on the rise in recent years, although it still lags behind many European countries in terms of overall production. The majority of US olive oil is produced in California, which has a climate and soil conditions similar to those found in Mediterranean regions where olive trees are traditionally grown.
California's olive oil production has been growing steadily since the early 2000s and actually produces the majority of olive oil in the United States. Some of the most popular varieties produced in California include Arbequina, Mission, and Manzanilla olives. The majority of production occurs in the central and southern parts of the state, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, where the climate is ideal for growing olives. Some of the top producing counties include Tulare, Fresno, and Madera. Our olives are from Central California and we love the rich and robust flavor of our olives as a result of this growing region.
In terms of overall production, however, the US still trails well behind European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, which together produce the majority of the world's olive oil. Spain alone accounts for more than 40% of global production. I was recently in Greece and although they don't seem to promote their products like more developed countries, I have never seen more trees!
One key difference between US and European olive oil production is the scale of the industry. In Europe, olive oil is often produced on small family farms, whereas in the US, larger-scale commercial operations are becoming more common. This can impact both the flavor and quality of the oil produced.
Despite these differences, however, there is no doubt that olive oil is an important and growing industry in the US, and one that is likely to continue to expand in the coming years.
Did you know that olive oil was used by ancient Greeks as a form of currency? It was so highly valued that it was traded and even used to pay taxes. In fact, some historians believe that the Greeks introduced the concept of trade using money because of their use of olive oil as a currency.
California's olive oil production has been growing steadily since the early 2000s and actually produces the majority of olive oil in the United States. Some of the most popular varieties produced in California include Arbequina, Mission, and Manzanilla olives. The majority of production occurs in the central and southern parts of the state, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, where the climate is ideal for growing olives. Some of the top producing counties include Tulare, Fresno, and Madera. Our olives are from Central California and we love the rich and robust flavor of our olives as a result of this growing region.
In terms of overall production, however, the US still trails well behind European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, which together produce the majority of the world's olive oil. Spain alone accounts for more than 40% of global production. I was recently in Greece and although they don't seem to promote their products like more developed countries, I have never seen more trees!
One key difference between US and European olive oil production is the scale of the industry. In Europe, olive oil is often produced on small family farms, whereas in the US, larger-scale commercial operations are becoming more common. This can impact both the flavor and quality of the oil produced.
Despite these differences, however, there is no doubt that olive oil is an important and growing industry in the US, and one that is likely to continue to expand in the coming years.
Did you know that olive oil was used by ancient Greeks as a form of currency? It was so highly valued that it was traded and even used to pay taxes. In fact, some historians believe that the Greeks introduced the concept of trade using money because of their use of olive oil as a currency.
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