Maybe you’ve heard that California is experiencing a very light olive crop this year. Weather conditions, plus other elements such as the very abundant crop last year, have reduced the production of olives and olive oil to a minimum expression.

Perhaps one possible good use of this unfortunate event is to sharpen our appreciation for the availability of olives and olive oil in California.

A Brief History of the Olive

To better appreciate the value of the olive, let’s look at its history. The olive tree is native to the Middle East where modern Syria, Israel and Palestine are located. Spread along the Mediterranean basin through commerce, the olive flourished in ancient Greece, where during 6th century BC, the wise government supported mass plantings of it.

Eventually, Athens based part of its wealth in olive oil and the beautiful terra cotta vases its artisans created for the oil’s commercial trade. Centuries later, when the Roman Empire conquered Greece, it was said that the Roman legionnaire carried a grape vine in one hand and an olive tree in the other. Vines grew extensively, the olive trees just in a few places.

For centuries, the olive tree was grown mostly in the Mediterranean coastal areas and pockets of Asia. Over time though, it was introduced to other Mediterranean regions around the world, which make up a tiny two percent of the earth’s climate zones. California, along with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Peru, Argentina and Mexico are examples of the handful of regions in the new world where the tree thrives.

Why Does This Matter to Me?

Unfortunately, many citizens of the 21st century have disconnected with our food sources, losing our appreciation for the value of products such as the olive. Through severe industrialization of agriculture in the second half of the last century, the imposition of the supermarket form and its pre-made products, fast food chains and the concentration of the economy, the schism between producers and consumers has grown.

Sadly, we’ve come to expect goods produced by nature -- and the hard work of growers and producers -- to always be available for our convenience, and at a low price. This mindset is unrealistic.

Because nature and its weather patterns are unpredictable, the supply of olive oil is unpredictable. For instance, the olive crop in California is down 67% this year compared to 2010. Included in that statistic are olives grown in Red Bluff. Traditionally, Red Bluff growers provide us with beautiful Tuscan varieties, but this year, they have virtually none to offer.

We could go on and on discussing this vast subject, but basically, what we’re trying to tell you is this: Don’t take good, honest, small-scale crafted olive oil for granted. We’re very lucky to live in California, that small two percent of the world where olives can be grown.

Use olive oil, enjoy it, and if you value it, support local growers and producers during the years of the fat olives as well as the years of the lean olives.

Thanks for your support!

The Pacific Sun Olive Oil Team

Leslie, Brendon & Pablo

To purchase honest, small-scale, locally crafted olive oil, visit Pacific Sun Gourmet Olive Oil’s store.