Marinate Olives

Olives grow from trees that are part of the evergreen family. They are sturdy and resilient, with a life expectancy of approximately 500 years even with considerable neglect. Olives are native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia. Olive oil has long been considered sacred and was even used to anoint kings in ancient Greece. The leafy branches of the olive tree symbolize glory, peace and abundance. Olives are often mistaken as vegetables, but they are actually fruit. In their raw form, most olives are too bitter to eat due to a natural alkaloid that is present in the fruit. Many olives are processed in a salty brine before they are palatable enough to be eaten. They are often served as appetizers or sprinkled over food. Marinating olives in various seasonings and herbs add more distinct flavors to the fruit. Here are some suggestions for how to marinate olives.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (236 ml) jarred green olives
• Large bowl, jar with a lid or plastic storage bag
• 2 cups (236 ml) jarred black olives
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) red or white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp. (30 ml) minced garlic
• Seasonings and herbs to taste

Steps

1. Place 2 cups (236 ml) of jarred green olives, into a large bowl, jar with a lid or plastic storage bag. Be sure to drain the olives first.
2. Add 2 cups (236 ml) of jarred black olives, drained.
3. Drizzle 1/2 cup (118 ml) of olive oil over the olives.
4. Pour in 1/4 cup (59 ml) of red or white wine vinegar.
5. Mix in 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of minced garlic. This step is optional. Garlic gives the olives a richer, more savory flavor.
6. Add seasonings to taste. Note the following variations below.
7. 4 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) of dried rosemary, 1 tsp. (5 ml) fennel seed and 1 tsp. (5 ml) of dried thyme.

French Marinade

1. Add lavender and thyme to taste.

Greek Marinade

1. Use dried oregano and thyme to taste.

Italian Marinade

1. Mix in rosemary, thyme and peppercorns to taste.

North African Marinade

1. Replace the vinegar with lemon juice. Then add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, crushed red pepper and the zest of lemon and orange, all to taste.

Spanish Marinade

1. Use paprika, peppercorns and cumin seeds to taste.
2. Store olives in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 months.

Video

Template:Video:Marinate Olives

Tips

• Any of these marinades can be made using all green or all black olives. Kalamata olives can also be substituted if preferred.
• Cardamom seed and cracked black pepper can also be added to this marinated olive recipe for more flavor if desired.

Things You'll Need

• Large bowl, jar with a lid or plastic storage bag

Related Articles

• Brine Green Olives

Sources and Citations

• http://www.whats4eats.com/appetizers/olive-marinate-recipe
• http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/marinated-olives/Detail.aspx
• http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/olive.html

See also

• Wash a Grapefruit
• Prepare and Eat Strawberries
• Reheat Rice
• Cube Sweet Potatoes
• Make Ham‐Roasted Vegetables
• Eat Plantain Leaves
• Heat Milk Without Scalding
• Cook Asparagus
• Remove Onion Smell From Hands
• Keep Food Hot

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