Practical ingredient guide
Black olives
Brined black olives bring a rich, savoury flavour and a Mediterranean touch to salads, sauces and spreads.
Prepared and preserved foods
What it offers and why to use it
Flavour profile
Salty, gently bitter and savoury, with a fleshy texture.
From shopping to cooking
Choose
Check whether the olives are pitted and compare salt content. Choose an intact jar or tin and a variety suited to the dish.
Store
Follow the label; refrigerate after opening and keep covered in the original liquid when instructed.
Prepare
Drain and check for stones before chopping or blending. Taste the dish before adding extra salt.
How to make the most of it
Good pairings
Tomatoes, tuna, walnuts, feta, lemon, pasta and crusty bread.
How to substitute it
Green olives give a sharper flavour; capers can replace some of the salty accent.
From ingredient to plate
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Recipes with black olives
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