Olive The Benefits of Georgia Olive Farming |
Posted: December 4, 2017 |
When you think of Georgia, olive farms are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. After all, it's called the Peach State, and it's better known for fresh produce, down-home cooking, and famous musicians like Ray Charles. But in fact, olives have a long and interesting, if troubled, history in Georgia. Keep reading to hear this fascinating story, find out why olives grow in Georgia, and learn the health benefits of this amazing fruit. It took olives quite some time to gain ground in Georgia. It was Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, who first introduced olive trees to the southern part of the country. He hoped it would contribute to the overall happiness of humanity, but sadly his crops did not take. Farmers were able to produce olives on the coast of Georgia and South Carolina, but an 1898 hurricane wiped them all out. Finally, in 2000, a state legislator and several blueberry farmers became the champions of this all but forgotten crop, and established fully operational olive farms. As it turns out, the growing conditions of southwestern Georgia, such as soil quality and annual climate, are very similar to the Mediterranean, where olives have been cultivated for thousands of years. Olives live a very long time and are notoriously slow to fruit, so some farmers sell young trees to other farmers to help them get a foothold in the industry. Due to the varietals used, the olive oils produced in Georgia are green in color and renowned for their fruity flavor and buttery texture, prized by chefs and gourmands. Extra virgin olive oil is not meant for high heat cooking, but it's ideal as a finishing oil which can be drizzled over a pasta, fish, or vegetable dish and served as a magnificent dip for fresh bread. High-quality olive oil from Georgia can elevate herb-based sauces like chimichurri. Olive oil is brimming with antioxidants and "good fats," may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and offers many other beneficial properties. In addition to providing a valuable and healthy product, olive cultivation helps Georgia get back in touch with a lost part of its history and provides a unique crop that fosters agribusiness and agritourism. To find and support Georgia olive farms, you need only look online, so you too can bring home a bottle of this healthful, historical elixir.
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