According to statistics, Americans consume .56 kg of olive oil per capita per year. This translates into a bit more than a 500 ml bottle per person. The top three producers of olive oil, Spain (40%), Italy (20%) and Greece (11.5%), are also the top consumers. Greece leads with 23.5 kg (about 6.5 gallons), Spain with 13.6 kg (about 4 gallons) and Italy with 12.3 kg (about 3.5 gallons) per person per year.

As you can see, in these cultures, olive oil is an essential dietary element that is widely used in the kitchen.

Often I have pondered how Americans, particularly Californians -- since it is so readily available to them -- might use more olive oil in their cooking.

The first thing that comes to mind is that the habit of cooking must be restored, not only for its nutritional benefits, but for social and cultural reasons as well. The lack of communal meals, starting with those shared at home, introduces a series of consequences that as a society we must acknowledge. These consequences are low development of conversational and social skills, an impoverished use of language and a reduction of intentionally prepared meals, which ultimately leads to poor eating habits.

Once home cooking is restored, what can we do to increase the use of quality olive oil? Like those living in the countries listed above, we can develop a habit of venturing to the countryside to buy bulk oil from local producers. This is a good idea in terms of making sure we purchase honest olive oil and, just as importantly, supporting our domestic economy. Another benefit is that buying by the gallon generally means a savings of up to 50%.

Recently, I met some Italians living in Canada and in Michigan where olive oil isn’t readily available. When they tasted our oil and I told them they could buy it in bulk, they were truly happy and are now doing so. They also source other ingredients such as locally grown meat, wine and produce with the same care.

When you have an abundant quantity of good olive oil at a reasonable price, you’re more apt to use it generously. This will help restore home cooking, which is needed for health, pleasure and social reasons.

I also hope that one day Americans will adopt the habit of finishing prepared meals by drizzling raw olive oil over them. This practice not only enhances flavors, but it provides the health benefits (antioxidants and vitamins) that olive oil offers.

Finally, let me share a secret from a chef friend of mine: with fine olive oil you’ll appear to be a much better cook.

If you’d like to purchase by the gallon from our family farm, you can buy olive oil online, or call us at (530) 385-1475.

Good luck and lots of fun in your cooking!

The Pacific Sun Olive Oil Team

Leslie, Brendon & Pablo