October 08, 2009

Fresno State is releasing the heir to the university’s latest winning tradition when its campus-grown 2007 Estate Reserve Olive Oil debuts during a special tasting 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 6, at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market on campus.

The tasting is free and open to the public at the market at Chestnut and Barstow avenues.
The 2007 vintage is from the third harvest from the University Farm orchard on the northeast end of the California State University, Fresno campus.

“We are holding our price at last year's level [$14.95 for a 500 ml bottle] to thank our loyal farm market customers who were inconvenienced by the road construction,” said Gibson Farm Market manager Jennifer Sobieralski.

Gino Favagrossa, the orchard manager, said the 2007 Fresno State Estate Reserve “is a blend of oils from Arbequina, Arbosana and Koroneiki olives.” He described the flavor as “fruity with a mild pungence that leaves a pleasing, persistent taste reminiscent of green herbs, tomato and banana.”

The 2005 and 2006 Fresno State olive oils won medals at the San Diego Food and Wine Festival in 2006 and 2007 and at the Yolo County Fair in 2007.

The new release also will be available at We Olive in Fresno’s Fig Garden Village Shopping Center.

Fresno State culinology students will demonstrate how to use the olive oil in cooking during the Fresno State Farm Festival on June 21 at the market. For updates on festival plans and to subscribe to farm market news alerts, customers may visit the market Web site (see link below).

A variety of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables are available throughout the week, fresh meats are in the market’s Bulldog Chop Shop on Thursday-Saturday and wine tastings are held Thursday through Sunday.

Proceeds from the market support Fresno State agriculture programs.

The Gibson Farm Market is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. More information is available by calling 559.278.4511.