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What are pitted olives?

A popular table snack and cooking ingredient around the world, pitted olives are versions of olives in which the pit has already been removed. Fermented in salt brine, the olives–which are otherwise bitter and tough when picked fresh–become tender. The salty brine also helps bring out all the complex and delicate flavors of pitted Italian olives, a tasty snack and a wonderful way to enhance your favorite recipes, like homemade pasta sauce.

What kinds of pitted olives are there?

Among the many different varieties, pitted green olives are considered premium quality when it comes to taste and texture. Compared to black olives, the green varieties have a mellower bite that is buttery, tender, and nuanced. The less intense flavor comes from their earlier harvesting time, when the olives are still green and not fully ripe. Some pitted green olives have large open centers, making them the perfect size for stuffing with feta or capers. Black pitted olives have a mild, smooth flavor that balances the acidity in tomato sauce, making it an excellent pizza topping or addition to pasta and other starchy bases.

What dishes are pitted Italian olives used for?

At Supermarket Italy, you'll find the finest quality Italian imports such as pitted Castelvetrano olives, which are known for their characteristically subtle and slightly nutty flavor. Their meaty texture also makes it excellent as a small bite on antipasti platters. Choose from a selection of top brands such as Cento, Sanniti, and Asaro. We also feature other pitted Italian olives such as Taggiasche olives, a Ligurian style delicacy with a zesty aroma. They taste sublime when paired with different gourmet Italian cheeses, and can also be used in main dishes and appetizers for extra flavor and texture.