Olives101.com

By Harold McGee, FOR a newcomer to the world of olive oil connoisseurship, the sound effects from the 20 or so tasters at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, Calif., were startling. The low murmurs of discussion were punctuated by loud, sharp slurps, and loud, sharp coughs. Slurps and coughs, hour after hour. On […]

Lots of jazz music will share the stage with the olive industry when the arts-and-wine community of Los Olivos celebrates its heritage Saturday, June 2. The third annual Los Olivos Jazz and Olive Festival, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Los Olivos, will run from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Principal jazz, olive and […]

California’s emerging olive-oil industry hears a call for quality surpassing “extra-virgin” that will stand out in a troubled, competitive market. By Jim Downing, Picture by Florence Low, Will American consumers pay more for olive oil that claims to be even more pristine than extra-virgin? Will they even be able to tell the difference? With the […]

• Biggest spring bloom in years. • Just in time to meet growing demand. This could be a “rebound year” in California’s olive groves. Farmers say the growing season is off to a good start. “We just started blooming this month and we’re excited. We haven’t seen a bloom this big in quite a few […]

May 22-23, Tuesday and Wednesday — “Beyond Extra Virgin: Italo-Californian Olive Oil Conference” will bring together olive growers; olive oil producers, processors and marketers; food service providers and restaurateurs; and researchers and educators to discuss current practices and potential new innovations in producing and marketing consistently high-quality olive oils. Experts and scientists will make recommendations […]