Jim Henry is another Texan who exemplifies the motto – do what you love and the money will follow. In another life, Henry traveled the world with Pier One Imports and fell in love with the olive oil industry ten years ago. And, so he brought it home here to Texas and started Texas Olive Ranch. Now we’re the beneficiary of his love and talent for growing a Spanish variety of olive called Arbequina. Texas olive oil isn’t as far fetched as you might think. Henry says Texas and the Mediterranean share similar climate because they’re at the same latitude. That’s why crops grown in the Mediterranean can thrive here – think grapes/wine, citrus and now olives.

I met him Saturday morning at the Chestnut Square Farmers’ Market in McKinney, about a half hour north of Dallas. The olive harvest ended last week – and I sampled his unfiltered extra extra virgin oil – 100% Fresh Pressed Oliva Nueva – and I mean fresh - harvested and pressed just three days ago – I missed the harvest – it’s 6 hours away, southwest of San Antonio. But, it’s amazingly good – don’t let the fact that the oil is cloudy fool you – the taste is crystal clear. It’s smooth with a grassy slightly tart but pleasant taste – so good you don’t need to mix it with anything else to put on your salad or dip your bread. Henry also sells his oil infused with garlic. And, because this is Texas, he also infuses his oil with mesquite – perfect for your next barbecue.

You can buy Texas Olive Ranch’s oil and infused balsamic vinegar at Flavors from Afar in Snider Plaza in Dallas. Or you can let your fingers do the walking and head to the ranch’s website  where you can find the precious oils and even trees so you can start your own tradition.

I’ll definitely make next year’s harvest. It’s already on my calendar.

Texas Olive Oil
Texas Olive Ranch
FM 1557
Between Carrizo Springs and Asherton