Olives: The Other Napa Valley Fruit
By: James Austin Davis
Growing together in a symbiotic relationship dating back to Biblical times, olive trees have long since been the yin to our beloved grapevines’ yang. Whether you travel to Italy, France, or, hey, how about California, you will find a common theme of olive trees often being found near or amongst the vines. While at times playing the role of a protector, olive trees help shield the vines from strong winds. There are also similarities in that neither relies on the help of insects or birds to pollinate their flowers, both thrive in the same climate conditions and benefit from hot dry summers and cool winters. The transformation from farm-to-table for each has its own unique process relying on science, tradition and art-form. It is fitting that the two species of fruit that grow so well together are also oftentimes enjoyed together. You would not want to eat olives straight from the tree, though. While not toxic, olives are extremely bitter and require treatments of either water, a brine solution, or lye prior to consumption. Then there is olive oil which, in my opinion, is the greatest gift that comes from the tree. Olive oil has a myriad of health benefits including promoting cardiovascular strength, supporting brain function, maintaining bone health, reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. Let's face it you generally do not dip a freshly baked piece of baguette into herb-flavored olive oil and think, "Mmmm... that sure is healthy!" People consume olive oil for the same reason they consume wine. It is downright delicious and capable of elevating just about any meal or moment with friends and family. In the valley of St. Helena, there are generations of a family who have carried on Napa’s olive and wine tradition. Nestled in an unassuming white barn along Highway 29 on Charter Oak Avenue sits the Napa Valley Olive Oil Co. which has been producing olive oil since 1931. Founded by Italian-born Gugliemo Guidi as a satellite shop for his brother’s Italian deli and market in San Francisco, the family has been producing and selling local olive oil for nearly 100 years. Over time, as the valley changes, the Napa Valley Olive Oil Co. has shown that some things are simply perfect just as they are.
For more information on the Napa Valley Olive Oil Co. visit: www.nvolivemfg.com or contact (707) 963-4173