South Georgia becoming an olive oil hot spot

More Americans than ever before are turning to extra virgin olive oil for both its taste and health benefits – and parts of south Georgia are getting in on the action as one of the best climates for growing olives outside the Mediterranean.  Americans account for 15% of global olive oil consumption – behind only Italy – but the U.S. produces just 2% of olive oil that Americans consume, with nearly all of it imported from Europe.  But that’s starting to change at farms like Redlands Farm Holding Inc. on the Georgia/Florida border in Miller County.  The company’s French backers have invested more than $50 million in the region, making it the largest olive grove east of the Mississippi and allowing it to get fresh olive oil to East Coast markets quickly.  Extra virgin olive oil at its best tasting and healthiest the sooner it’s consumed – so buying local will give you a better experience than even the ritzier European brands.