You probably have olive oil in your cabinet from Italy, Spain, France, or perhaps even Greece or Chile. But did you know the U.S. also produces olive oil? And as we can attest, they are giving the imported oils a run for their money.
Some vineyard land is also ripe for growing olive trees. So it should be no
surprise that California is leading the way in American olive oil production. In fact, one California oil company,
California Olive Ranch, has won more than 24 best-in-class gold medals. Currently California producers are responsible for about 3 percent of the
olive oil consumed in the U.S.
California isn't the only state getting into the olive oil business. High-quality oils are also coming out of the southern
states, from places like Georgia, Florida, and Texas, which is projected to have 3,000,000 olive oil-producing trees by 2014.
More From Delish: Top 10 Rules for Purchasing Olive Oil
Here are a few of the top American olive oils worth a taste:
Texas Olive Ranch
Location: Carrizo Springs, Texas
Facts: Established in 2005, Texas Olive Ranch maintains 40,000 olive trees and is the largest commercial olive orchard in
the state. They grow a variety of different olives, including Arbequina, Arbosana, Koroneiki, Mission, Baroni, and Sevilliano.
All of their oil is estate-grown and cold pressed.
Where to Buy: Select Whole Foods or online at Texasoliveranch.com
Georgia Olive Farms
Location: Lakeland, Georgia
Facts: Georgia Olive Farms is located in what has been coined the "Olive Belt," which extends from east Mississippi to the
costal regions of South Carolina. Georgia Olive Farms was started in 2009 by five farmers who had hoped to resurrect olive oil production
in Georgia and the surrounding states. Now, four years later, their oil is being used at some of the best restaurants in the South.
Where to Buy: At gourmet retailers from Brooklyn to Baton Rouge. Find a store near you or purchase directly at georgiaolivefarms.com
More From Delish: Taste Test: Best Olive Oils
Bari Olive Oil Company
Location: Dinuba, California
Facts: Since 1936, Bari Olive Oil has been family-run. Currently a fifth-generation family member is at the helm. The company recently launched a certified organic extra-virgin olive oil.
Where to Buy: Online at barioliveoil.com
Enzo Olive Oil Company
Location: Madera, California
Facts: For more than 90 years, the Ricchiuti family has been harvesting their farm in California's San Joaquin
Valley for fruit, almonds, and, of course, their estate-grown, organic extra-virgin olive oil. Their award-winning oils
balance the line between fruity and spicy.
Where to Buy: bellafrutta.com
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