Olive
Olive
| Latin name | Olea europaea |
|---|---|
| Family | Condiments & ferments |
| Origin | Mediterranean basin |
| Season (France) | September – November |
| Flavour | Briny · Bitter · Fruity · Rich |
| Typical price (France) | 6–14 €/kg |
What it is
Straight from the tree an olive is inedibly bitter — someone, thousands of years ago, had the patience to discover that brine and time perform a miracle. Green and black are the same fruit, picked young or ripe; the dove brought Noah an olive branch, and it has meant peace ever since.
In the kitchen
Buy them with their stones — pitted olives trade flavour for convenience. Warmed briefly with citrus zest and herbs, they become another ingredient entirely.
Goes with
Lemon Anchovy Tomato Fennel Capers Oregano
Same species
Agrumato lemon oil Cracked olive of the Vallée des Baux Castelvetrano olive Bella di Cerignola olive Gaeta olive Gordal olive
Also used with
Argan oil Muscovy duck Huacatay (Peruvian black mint) Dry sausage Red mullet Blood orange
In season alongside
Scallop coral Lingonberry Belon flat oyster Black trumpet Lobster coral Cranberry
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