Ojai Olive Oil

Yesterday I gave in and went to the Ventura Singles Conference. After the morning workshops we had our choice of activities. I chose to tour the Ojai Olive Oil farm up in the hills of Ojai.
Ron showed us how they hand pick all of the trees - stripping the branches with their hands (preferrably leaving the leaves).

The olives can't be picked until they are dark on the outside with slightly pink flesh inside (at least, I think that's what he said). I think they said they have about 6,500 trees. Harvesting won't probably start until December and will take most of the month.

Later we were shown the olive press machinery and got to taste some of their products. The group was a litte too large, so I'd love to go back. It'll be a great place to take visitors!