Olives Olé Shines a Spotlight on a Growing Local Industry

When considering olive oil, it is easy to associate the golden culinary staple with the olive groves that dot the Mediterranean landscape. But olive production is thriving in Texas, and regional growers are making high quality oils that rival their Mediterranean counterparts. Olive oil connoisseurs and novices can compare the nuanced flavors that characterize oils produced around the world with those made by Texas growers at Olives Olé: The International Olive Oil Festival of Texas, Sunday, March 26 at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The mild winters and plentiful sunshine of Southeast Texas and the Middle Rio Grande Valley favor plentiful harvest. Most olive operations in Texas are south of Johnson City and Marble Falls.

Olives Olé shines a spotlight on Texas’ growing olive industry. Guests can sample an impressive selection of olives from around the world at a tasting table and learn about pairing olives with wine from industry experts. Attendees can also sample an outstanding array of oils from around the world including Texas’ Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard and the Texas Olive Ranch, the state’s first olive producer, operated by Jim Henry, founder of the Texas Olive Oil Council. Area chefs will conduct cooking demonstrations throughout the day featuring healthy and family-friendly recipes.

The event doesn’t just focus on your taste buds. There will be information booths where visitors can learn about the health and skin care benefits of this ancient oil. The Texas Olive Oil Council Olive will offer their advice on planting and growing olive trees in your home garden. Attendees will also learn what to look for in a bottle to assess the quality of the oils they purchase at the market.

The International Olive Festival isn’t the only attention these fruits are receiving. The growing number of orchards in Texas has caught the eye of film makers. This month, the documentary "Texas Olive Trails" is scheduled for showing on PBS stations around the country.

This unique festival is free for children under 10 and $15 for adults. Les Dames d’Escoffier International, the event’s producer, is a non-profit focused on education, philanthropy and advocacy for women in various food industries. Learn more about Olives Olé: The International Olive Oil Festival of Texas at olivesole.com.