Extending the Olive Branch: Safeguarding California's Olive Industry with Olivaia Ranch

Have you ever wondered about the first people who encountered olives? Not only were they not deterred by the bitterness of the fruit off the tree, but they soaked them in salt until the bitterness was leached out, and better yet, they squeezed them until oil was extracted. Talk about ingenuity and persistence!Join host Sonia Mehmand as she explores the  journey from olive tree to olive oil in the heart of Tulare County. In this episode of Plated, Sonia visits Olivaia Ranch, a Lindsay-based olive grove, to unravel the tales of its century-old trees and the innovative couple, Giulio Zavolta and Dr. Rachelle Bross, who are revitalizing the region's olive oil industry.Learn about the challenges and triumphs faced by Olivaia, as Giulio and Rachelle share their unique approach to olive farming, blending, and creating exquisite oils. Together, we'll discover the rich history of Tulare County's agricultural roots and the potential for olives to shape a sustainable future in the face of water scarcity.You can learn more about where to purchase Olivaia products at https://www.olivaiaolive.com