Mesa- 2011 Official Visitors Guide
“A Taste of Italy in the Desert”
Just east of Mesa is the Queen Creek Olive Mill- Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm where olives are grown and pressed for the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil. While most wouldn’t think of Arizona as a prime location for olive production, unlike most olive growing regions of the world, the state does not have a problem with the olive fly due to the extreme heat during the growing season. Arizona’s climate affords the mill the luxury of not using pesticides. Through experience, Queen Creek Olive Mill’s Master Blender will time the harvest in order to obtain the optimal ripeness of the olive. When prime picking season takes place, their olives are harvested by hand and gentle release methods. Grown at the base of the San Tan Mountains, an area known for its fertile soil, this flood plain region is famous for its high quality fruits and vegetables. The combination of long sunny days and cool desert nights provide the ideal growing conditions for the trees. After a tour and complimentary tasting of oils, olives and tapenades, guests are invited to dine at del Piero- the mill’s Tuscan-inspired eatery featuring fresh gourmet sandwiches and panini, as well as soups, salads, gelato and espresso. When the weather is ideal, guests can dine in the olive grove. Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25065 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, 480-888-9290, queencreekolivemill.com