"I hate California!" Olive Oil :D

[Michael_in_TX]

A few years ago, I settled on California Olive Ranch's EVOO. It was more expensive than the store-brand stuff, but less expensive (by far) than the premium stuff. I typically buy their global blend, which I think is decently flavorful (and has a wonderful slightly peppery aftertaste). I actually really like it. I tried their 100% California one, but while great....to my palette, did not justify the extra expense.

As I picked up my bottle today of my global blend, I noticed something odd. They are highlighting that it is 0% (or at least nearly such) California olive oil:



Now, remember, I live in Texas. We have kinda....an.....unofficial rivalry with California. When I first noticed this, I was like.....Wow, they sure know how to market to Texans!!

In all seriousness, it does seem a bit odd to highlight this. Does anyone know if there is something about California olive oil that is undesirable in some way?

[MBMorgan]

Hey, Michael. Personally, I prefer this one from COR instead. It’s pretty affordable and is excellent (and 100% California).

[Skip]

Mine is like this one too.

[captainlee]

Looks like they outsourced and are honest about it. Maybe something to do with undesirable chemicals found in California olive oil.

https://www.ehn.org/phthalates-olive-oil?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17673658777&gbraid=0AAAAAow5yZ6F-DTBmVpOkmi_2nzS4vLXF&gclid=CjwKCAiAtLvMBhB_EiwA1u6_PlpF5YAt6Wt52Wv39fUFZhIALOUD-HK8by5WJ6Pb67-hefieE301bhoCCt8QAvD_BwE

[Willy]

Nope.

[captainlee]

Willy What's Nope?

[RonB]

A couple thoughts:

Did ya scan the little code where it sez scan here? That may offer more info.
It does say global ...

And they do note that at least one other product is 100% CA olive oil, so they are not worried about CA olives.

It could just be a legal thing so no one sues them for false advertising.

[Uncle Bob]

I'm sure there's some segment of the market that only wants California sourced olives so this is their CYA for that crowd. Decent truth in advertising.

[Willy]

Nope.

[Mosca]

Did you scan in your lot #? Use the QR code on the bottle. You can then find out what is it’s % California oil. I like both their 100% California oil and their world blend.

Olive oil is one of those things that has gotten REALLY expensive in the last year (also: coffee). Last time I was at the store, this was discounted so I gave it a try. It’s a slap in the face of flavor: very bold and forward. “Rich & Robust”… yeah, I’d say so! You’ll know you used olive oil.




And, searching for something high quality, affordable, and different, I picked up this oil from Morocco. It is pleasant, buttery and somewhat mild.



I use La Tourangelle when I want the olive oil to stand out: on pasta, drizzled on a pizza. I use Atlas when I want the olive oil to blend in: in salad dressing, when roasting vegetables.

The La Tourangelle was $14.99/.75L. The Atlas was $27.42/L.

[Kascon11]

It could be they are protecting themselves from stupid law suits. Like the suit against Texas Pete's hot sauce not being from Texas or Kings Hawaiian rolls not being made in Hawaii?

We intelligent people read the label and can understand their intention. The company name is California Olive Ranch, but the product is the global blend, hence the clarification.

Or it could be they are thinking of moving to Texas and a extending an "olive branch" to those who despise California?

[Willy]

Nope.

[Purc]

More and more human consumables aka food and drink are being found to contain detectable toxins, pesticides, forever chemicals, nano plastics etc and people may not want 100% CA olive oil for that reason as described in the article mentioned above. These containments have been found in both the soil and the water used in growing our crops. Our test methods are better now and there are more chemicals being used everywhere. Also, the "experts" say that olive oil can be easily blended from new, old, questionable sources etc when sourced globally from numerous countries. They say to look for the pressed date not best used by date, single country, packaged in dark glass bottles, etc to get the best oil. Some EVOO when tested did not meet the industry quality standards. Remember, organic only refers to the method of growing, not how or where a product was blended with other ingredients or processed. For example, why is lead found in organic cinnamon, regardless of the brand?

Do organic producers test the water and soil they use in organic farming for detectable toxins prior to and after planting crops or raising of animals? Do they use only filtered, purified water on the acres of crops? Acid rain falls on organic crops. Also, many detectables occur "naturally".

I know....hey Purc, give us a break and get a life!

[Willy]

"Organic" does not mean what "we" think it does. Read Michael Pollan and (many) others.

[captainlee]

Organic means different things all over the world. Chinese organic, well you decide.

[TripleB]

I just use Trader Joe's EVOO for regular cooking and a boutique EVOO for salads and special uses.

[Richard Chrz]

I’m sure for some marketing purpose of local sourced, it matters that it says from California.

I am not sure where our “general cooking” olive oil is from, I don’t use a lot of it.

For drizzle and salads though, or anywhere I want a fresh olive oil, I use this first press. It is almost green.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Likely just like TX Pete having to ensure it's known the product is made in the Carolinas due to the name.

[Willy]

Nope.

[Jerod Broussard]

good too

[Willy]

I would encourage y'all to learn what "organic" actually means. Really.

[jfmorris]

I've bought that brand before, and they've always had the domestic California and the global blend, or at least for the several years I've paid attention. My usual goto is Cobram Estates, and they sell California or Australian sourced olive oil that is my goto for EVOO. I go by harvest date, trying to get something picked and pressed within the past year.

[Mosca]

I’ve liked the Cobram when I’ve had it, too.

[RonB]

There is an olive oil store about 30 min from us. I may just stop in the next time I'm in the area.

[Willy]

They very likely sell balsamico as well. You WILL be disappointed.

[RonB]

Willy - yes they do.