Ep 12. Olive The Above

In Food Factory USA season 3 episode 12, titled "Olive The Above," viewers are taken on a journey through the production process of one of America's favorite snack foods: olives. The episode begins by exploring the olive groves of California, where millions of olive trees are grown each year. The host explains how the climate and soil conditions in California make it the perfect place to grow olives, and viewers get a glimpse of the harvesting process as workers carefully pluck the ripe fruit from the branches.

The olives are then transported to a processing plant, where they are sorted and washed before being sent through a series of machines that remove the pits and stems. Viewers get to see the intricate machinery at work, as thousands of olives are processed in just a matter of minutes. The pits are then collected and sent off to be used for alternative purposes, such as fuel for power plants.

Once the olives have been pitted, they are ready to be marinated in a brine solution, which gives them their distinctive salty flavor. The process of marinating can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the desired flavor and texture. Viewers get a look at the massive vats and tanks used to hold the olives during this process, as well as the various ingredients that are added to the brine to give the olives their unique taste.

After the olives have been marinated, they are ready to be packaged and sent off to stores across the country. Viewers get a glimpse at the automated packaging machines, which are capable of filling and sealing thousands of jars in just a matter of hours. The host explains how the olives are carefully inspected at each stage of the packaging process to ensure that they are of the highest quality before being sent out to consumers.

The episode also explores some of the many ways that olives can be used in cooking and snacking. Viewers are treated to some mouth-watering recipes, from classic olive tapenade to more innovative dishes like fried olives stuffed with cheese. The host also shows viewers some of the other products that can be made from olives, such as olive oil, which is extracted from the fruit's pulp.

Overall, "Olive The Above" is a fascinating look at the complex and intricate process of bringing one of America's favorite snack foods to our tables. From the olive groves of California to the packaging lines of the processing plant, viewers get to see every step of the production process and learn about the ingredients and machinery that make it all possible. Whether you're a fan of olives or just curious about how the food industry works, this episode is sure to be a treat for your taste buds and your brain.