Chefs’ Ingredients | Texas Olive Oil

Find | Texas Olive Oil

When it comes to olive oil, Italy is the world's biggest importer, consumer and exporter; Spain is the largest producer. Less than 1 percent of the olive oil consumed in the United States is produced domestically, with California producing 99% of domestic olive oil.

But there is gold coming from the hills of Texas. While olive oil production in the Lone Star State is just two decades old, there are nearly 888,000 olive trees planted there.

Chefs-turned-butchers Chris Carter and James Peisker of Porter Road Butcher in Nashville, TN only use and sell products that originate in the south. When it comes to olive oils, they turn to Texas.

Here are two Texas oils they recommend.

Texas Olive Ranch

Operated in Carrizo Springs since the mid-1990s, Texas Olive Ranch? produces extra virgin olive oil from over 40,000?Arbequina, Arbosana?and?Koroneiki?variety olive trees. Chris says “it has peppery notes to it.”
www.texasoliveranch.com

Sandy Oaks

One of the first commercial olive orchards in Texas, it’s located 20 minutes south of San Antonio. Their mild blend is pressed from Arbequina and Arbosana trees. Chris describes it as “fruity, with banana flavors.”
www.sandyoaks.com

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