The simplest way to desalt black olives is to soak them in fresh water, changing the water frequently.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Place the olives in a bowl: Put the black olives into a bowl large enough to submerge them completely in water.
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Cover with water: Fill the bowl with fresh, clean water. Tap water is fine.
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Change the water regularly: This is the most important step. Change the water every hour or every few hours. The more frequently you change the water, the faster the olives will desalinate.
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Taste test: After a few hours of soaking and water changes, taste an olive. If it's still too salty for your liking, continue the soaking and water changing process.
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Repeat until desired salt level: Continue repeating the process until the olives reach your preferred level of saltiness. The total time required will vary depending on how salty the olives were initially and your personal taste.
It's worth noting that soaking olives in water will not only reduce the salt content but can also slightly alter their texture and flavor. They may become a little softer and less intense in flavor. Keep tasting them during the process to ensure they don't become bland.