Olives & Capers
What are Italian olives?
The quintessential ingredient in traditional and modern cuisine, Italian olives are such a versatile “Made in Italy” product that you’ll find several types and varieties to please multiple palates. A favorite table olive and cocktail snack, Italian green olives are considered premium quality, especially the Castelvetrano variety, which is loved for its meaty, tender texture and mellow, slightly nutty flavor. Other varieties of green olives have large pits, which make them the perfect size for stuffing with feta and capers.
Another popular variety, black olives make a classic pizza topping because the mild, smooth taste helps balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and the pungent flavors of pepperoni or sausage. Whatever the variety, Italian olives are handpicked off the tree and then pickled in a salt and water brine, a traditional preservation process that eliminates the bitterness and brings out its characteristic flavors and tenderness. Read More