Sciabica’s California Olive Oil

People

Owners Daniel and Nick Sciabica (third generation), Jonathan Sciabica (fourth generation), Andrew and Nick Jr Sciabica (fifth generation), with 24 full-time employees

Farmland

14.5 acres in Modesto, about 90 miles to San Francisco

About

The Sciabica family (pronounced “sha-bee-ka”) began pressing olive oil in California in 1936 using techniques that founder Joseph Sciabica’s father, Nicola (“Nick”), learned in Sicily as a young man. The Sciabica’s have been farming the same land since 1925. The Sciabica’s maintain soil fertility by using natural amendments and synthetic fertilizers. They never use synthetic pesticides. Sciabica olive oils are 100% extra virgin, unrefined, and cold-pressed on their farm. Oils are pressed separately by variety of olive and harvest date.

Certification

Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) since 1991. As of 2003, certification is provided by NutriClean.