Olive You Very Much: A Guide to Picking Olives in California
So, you want to become an olive oil tycoon, huh? Or maybe you just really, really like olives. Either way, you've come to the right place. Let's talk about when to pick those little green (or black) orbs of deliciousness.
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| When To Pick Olives In California |
When is Olive Picking Season in California?
Ah, the golden question. Well, it's not as simple as saying "October" and calling it a day. California is a big place, and olives have their own quirky schedules. Generally speaking, the harvest kicks off around September and can stretch into November. But hold your horses! This is just a ballpark figure.
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The Real MVP: The Olive Itself
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Believe it or not, the best indicator of when to pick your olives is... the olive itself. Look for those little green guys to start turning a straw-like color. That's your cue to get picking! But don't get too excited. Just because one olive is turning color doesn't mean the whole tree is ready. Patience, young padawan.
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Oil or Table Olives? The timing also depends on what you want to do with your olives. If you're aiming for that fancy extra virgin olive oil, you'll want to wait until those bad boys are pitch black. For table olives, you'll want to harvest them a bit earlier, when they're still green or turning that lovely shade of purple.
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Other Factors to Consider
- Variety: Different olive varieties ripen at different times.
- Climate: A warm, sunny fall will speed up ripening.
- Location: Coastal areas tend to have later harvests than inland regions.
How to Know When Your Olives Are Really, Really Ready
Still unsure? Here's a little trick: gently squeeze an olive. If it gives a little, it's probably ripe. If it feels hard as a rock, leave it on the tree. And remember, harvesting is a marathon, not a sprint. It's okay to pick in batches.
So, there you have it. Olive picking is an art, not a science. Happy harvesting!
How-To Questions for the Olive Enthusiast
- How to store olives after picking: Store them in a cool, dark place in airtight containers for a few days before processing.
- How to prevent olives from turning black: Processing them quickly after harvest is key.
- How to extract olive oil at home: While it's possible, it's a labor-intensive process. Consider partnering with a local mill.
- How to pickle olives: There are countless recipes online, but the basics involve brining the olives to remove bitterness.
- How to grow an olive tree in California: Choose a variety suitable for your climate and provide well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine.
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