You can eat green olives straight from the jar, making them a convenient and flavorful snack or ingredient. Here's how:
Steps to Enjoy Jarred Green Olives
-
Open the Jar: Carefully unscrew the lid of the jar. You might need a bottle opener or tool to help if the lid is stuck.
-
Drain the Brine: Olives are stored in brine (a salty solution) to preserve them. Pour the brine out of the jar. You don't have to remove all the brine, but it's generally recommended as it's very salty.
-
Retrieve the Olives: Use a clean fork, spoon, or olive spoon to remove the olives from the jar. Avoid using your fingers to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination of the remaining olives.
-
Rinse (Optional): If you prefer a less salty flavor, rinse the olives briefly with cool water. This is a matter of personal preference.
-
Eat and Enjoy: Simply pop the olive into your mouth. Be aware of the pit! Most jarred green olives will have pits, though some are sold pitted.
Ways to Use Jarred Green Olives
Beyond eating them straight, consider incorporating jarred green olives into:
- Snacks: Enjoy them as part of an antipasto platter with cheese, cured meats, and crackers.
- Salads: Chop or slice them and add them to salads for a salty and briny kick.
- Pizza Toppings: Scatter them on homemade or store-bought pizzas.
- Sandwiches and Subs: Layer them into sandwiches for added flavor.
- Pasta Dishes: Add them to pasta sauces or sprinkle them on top of finished pasta dishes.
- Tapenades: Blend them into a flavorful olive tapenade to serve with bread or crackers.
Storage After Opening
Once opened, store the remaining olives in the jar, submerged in the remaining brine (or fresh brine made with water and salt), in the refrigerator. They will typically last for a few weeks.
