Last summer, a story broke with the American Olive Oil Producers Association claiming that as much as three-quarters of the extra-virgin olive oil imported from Italy to America was anything but pure. Coined the "agromafia" by the media, the American Olive Oil Producers Association explained that the Italian mob controlled much of the market, diluting quality olive oil with cheaper oil, thereby raking in a larger profit for themselves.
The scandal has left American farmers wondering if they should find their own olive orchard for sale in the States. You can talk to a professional, like TUSCAN SUN OLIVE FARM AND PRESS, for more information on orchards for sale. While the Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing olives, there are areas of the United States that also have a similar climate. Here is what you need to know if you are considering the basics of growing olives.
What States Are Suitable For Growing Olive Trees?
Like most agricultural food crops, California is the leading olive oil producing state, which should come as no surprise as they also produce a lot of grapes and wine. Arizona, Oregon, Alabama, Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, and Florida are also now starting olive orchards and reaping the liquid gold harvest.
While olive trees can be grown in colder climates, they must be kept in pots, re-planted annually, and moved indoors during the winter to prevent exposing them to the extreme cold. For this reason, olive trees would not be a commercially viable option in the northern states.
Additionally, olive trees must be grown in areas of the acceptable states that don't become too hot and that receive adequate rainfall. Climate zones 10 and 11 are best, and certain cold-hardy varietals can be grown in zones 8 and 9.
Are Green Olive And Black Olive Trees The Same?
Yes. All green olives will eventually ripen to black olives. Green olives are picked when their juices have turned from clear to opaque. They are then usually processed by pickling. Gourmet stuffed olives, such as those filled with blue cheese or garlic, are also another increasingly popular market expansion. Olives that will be pressed and used for olive oil production are left on the tree to ripen to varying degrees depending on the cultivar of the tree. "Ripe" black olives are typically picked right before turning black, finishing ripening as they are processed into cans.
How Much Fruit Does A Tree Bear?
There are different cultivars, or varieties, of olive trees. Some are better for olive oil production while others are better for table production. Some varieties are well-suited for both uses. In addition to the American Olive Oil Producers Association, there are other professional resources available for someone who decides to buy an olive farm.
Share2 April 2017
Hello everyone, my name is Jorgio Aislen. I would love to share my knowledge about specialty foods on this site. I have traveled all around the world, sampling each region's ingredients on their own and prepared in exotic meals. I would like to talk about the various ways these foods are prepared and presented. I will also discuss the nutritional values of foods found in each region. I hope you will visit my site on a regular basis to increase your knowledge of specialty food ingredients. I will update often to keep everyone informed about this interesting subject. Please feel free to visit often.
