olive

Olives are small fruits used as a savoury food ingredient. Because freshly harvested olives are extremely bitter, they are cured in brine, salt, water, or lye before eating.

Their flavour varies by type and preparation: green olives are generally firm, sharp, and slightly bitter, while ripe black olives tend to be softer and milder. Both can add saltiness, acidity, richness, and a distinctive fruity or earthy flavour to dishes.

Olives may be served whole, sliced, chopped, stuffed, or made into a paste such as tapenade. They are commonly used in salads, pizzas, pasta sauces, breads, stews, appetisers, and Mediterranean dishes. Since cured olives can contain considerable salt, they may be rinsed before use.